Nursing students' general knowledge and risk perception of pandemic influenza
Yonge, O.; Rosychuk, R.; Bailey, T.; Lake, R.; Marrie, T.J.
Canadian Nurse 103(9): 23-25; 27-28
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-4581 PMID: 18095526 Document Number: 607920
The threat of an influenza pandemic continues to grow, and various institutions have started planning initiatives to manage the potentially high rates of mortality, morbidity and absenteeism. The authors surveyed nursing students at the University of Alberta to determine their general knowledge of, and perception of risk associated with, pandemic influenza. The results indicated that there are many misconceptions about the nature of a potential influenza pandemic that affect nursing students' perceptions of personal and familial risk. It is imperative that nursing students receive adequate information, education and preparation along with the necessary personal protection equipment if they are going to be relied upon as a labour reserve in the event of a pandemic.