[Needs on information related to influenza pandemic by the public].

Objective: To understand the information needs on human infection with avian influenza (H5N1), A (H1N1) and influenza pandemic in different time periods and create well-targeted messages by the public, so as to develop communication with the public effectively when human infection with avian influenza (H5N1), A (H1N1) and influenza pandemic occur.

Methods: Data were collected through questionnaire over telephone calls. The questionnaire was self-designed, revised after pilot testing.

Results: The effective response rate in this telephone survey was 54.33%, higher than those in Beijing and Shanghai. The respondents felt that government's propaganda during the influenza virus-active period was more helpful and instructive than those in the period when influenza was relatively inactive (chi(2) = 17.41, P = 0.000). Trust to the government by the public was higher in the influenza virus-active than in the relatively inactive period (chi(2) = 8.15, P = 0.004). As to the information needs, the respondents reflected that during the time period of relative influenza inactivity, they viewed the basic knowledge of human infection with avian influenza (H5N1) as their top priority, while in the influenza virus-active period, the feasible preventive measures was their top priority. The pandemic-related information needs in the influenza virus-active period and in the time period of relative influenza inactivity were similar, demonstrating that the respondents had no perceptual knowledge of influenza pandemic and had poor awareness on the pandemic. The respondents were not used to wear a mask to cover their mouths and noses when sneezing, but were quite knowledgeable about the following preventive measures as: avoid going out and at the crowded areas, wash hands frequently etc. Around 2% to 6% of the respondents did not have any information needs.

Conclusion: The response rate in this telephone survey was fairly high, indicating that telephone survey was well accepted by Guangzhou residents. The public was satisfied with the government's propaganda activities and trusting the government. Public health professionals should develop communication messages closely related to the epidemic situation to target the information needs from the public.