Public opinions on governmental measures for H7N9 avian influenza control and prevention:a survey through microblog

ObjectiveTo study the public satisfaction to governmental measures for H7N9 avian influenza control and prevention.MethodsSystematic sampling was used to select participants among microblog users of 12320 Health Hotline via Sina and Tencent service for a questionnaire survey.ResultsOf the 1 166 participants with valid response,67.2% were satisfied with the measures for H7N9 avian influenza prevention and control taken by the government in the previous one month;79.8% considered the dissemination of the epidemic information being timely;93.4% were satisfied with the knowledge provided by the microblog account of 12320 Health Hotline;81.1% regarded the government having the capability to control the epidemic completely;and 44.5% reported the changes in their health habits after the epidemic.The participants at elder age were more satisfied with governmental measures to prevent and control the epidemic and the timely dissemination of epidemic information compared to the participants at younger age.The results of logistic regression showed that the participants living in the epidemic area,worrying about being infected by the virus,and regarding the government having the capability to control the epidemic were more likely to change their health habits related to the epidemic compared to those living in non-epidemic area,worrying about the virus infection a little(not worrying at all),and not considering the government having the capability.ConclusionThe governmental information dissemination and knowledge promotion for H7N9 avian influenza epidemic are effective and the public is satisfied with the information on the epidemic control and prevention provided by the microblog account of 12320 Health Hotline.