Assessing the level of awareness of avian influenza among Greek students.

Introduction: Current concern regarding avian influenza, the so-called 'bird flu', concerns H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza form that has spread across Asia, into Western Europe and Africa. The wide spread of bird flu makes it a serious threat to humans. A key factor in reducing the risk of an influenza pandemic is adequate preparedness, including providing prospective, accurate information to the public. In our study, we attempted to assess the level of information among Greek students aged 8 to 15 years, regarding avian influenza.

Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in 6 Greek prefectures to determine the information level regarding avian influenza among students, concerning methods of transmission, symptoms and prevention measures.

Results: In total, 2805 Greek students participated in the study (47% male and 53% female). Approximately 90% of the students reported knowing what 'bird flu' is, and 25% wrongly answered that there had been at least one human infection from avian influenza in Greece. Nearly half the students (46.2%) reported that an effective vaccine exists against avian influenza, and almost all the study participants (95.7%) believed that they should not touch an ill or dead bird. Forty-two per cent of the students reported that avian influenza can be transmitted from human to human, and only 11.9% believed that humans can present symptoms after being infected. The media was their main source of information.

Conclusion: The level of information about avian influenza among Greek students was found to be satisfactory, if not ideal. These findings, along with the potential for a future avian influenza pandemic, highlight the need for intensified health education programs in Greek schools, in order to deal with this serious public health problem.