Docs Are Becoming Less Concerned About H1N1 Swine Flu

- Majority have not changed their behavior or lifestyle since becoming aware of the H1N1 virus -

FLEMINGTON, N.J., May 8 /PRNewswire/ — A new national study among 1,477 physicians revealed that during the past week, doctors have become less concerned about the impact that the H1N1 swine flu will have on themselves and their families.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071204/NYTU133LOGO )

Results from a similar study last week revealed that 21% of physicians reported that they were “Concerned” or “Extremely Concerned,” compared to this week’s study, in which 10% of physicians indicated that they were “Concerned” or “Extremely Concerned.” Physicians also reported that there is less risk that the virus could result in a catastrophic pandemic, compared to last week.

The studies were conducted by HCD Research and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) on April 27 and May 6, to obtain physicians’ perceptions of the H1N1 virus and the potential risk and impact it will have on Americans. The study will be conducted on a weekly basis to measure physicians’ perceptions regarding their personal and professional concerns. To view detailed results go to: www.hcdi.net or www.mediacurves.com.

The study also revealed that physicians believe the U.S. Government is more prepared to handle an epidemic, as compared to last week’s study. Physicians were also asked how their behavior and lifestyle have changed after becoming aware of the H1N1 virus.

The majority of respondents (56%) reported that they had no behavior changes since becoming aware of the virus. However, 40% reported that they are washing their hands more frequently after becoming aware of the virus.

Among the findings:

“Please indicate how you have changed your behavior or lifestyle since becoming aware of the H1N1 swine flu. Check all that apply.”

                                              Total
                                            (n=1,477)
    Decreased air travel                        7%
    Decrease dining out                         5%
    Avoid going to crowded events              13%
    Wash hands more frequently                 40%
    Start wearing protective mask               4%
    Spend more time at home                     6%
    Other changes of behaviors                  2%
    None - I have not changed any of my
     behavior or lifestyle                     56%

Please indicate the level of risk that the H1N1 swine flu could result in a catastrophic pandemic. Use a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 indicates “No Risk” and 7 indicates “Extremely High Risk.”

                                       Week 1 (4/27)       Week 2 (5/6/09)
    1 - No Risk                             1%                    2%
    2 - Low Risk                           13%                   27%
    Bottom 2                               14%                   30%
    3 - Somewhat Low Risk                  14%                   18%
    4 - Neither At Risk or Not At Risk      9%                   12%
    5 - Somewhat At Risk                   49%                   31%
    Top 2                                  14%                    9%
    6 - High Risk                          12%                    7%
    7 - Extremely High Risk                 2%                    1%

    MEAN                                4.4 (Neither)         3.7 (Neither)

Please indicate the readiness of the US government in responding to an epidemic like this. Use a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 indicates “Not At All Prepared” and 7 indicates “Completely Prepared.”

                                    Week 1 (4/27)       Week 2 (5/6/09)
    1 - Not At All Prepared              5%                   2%
    2 - Not Prepared                    16%                   8%
    Bottom 2                            21%                  10%
    3 - Somewhat Not Prepared           16%                  12%
    4 - Neutral                         12%                  13%
    5 - Somewhat Prepared               36%                  42%
    Top 2                               15%                  22%
    6 - Prepared                        14%                  21%
    7 - Completely Prepared              1%                   1%

    MEAN                           4.0 (Neutral)        4.5 (Somewhat
                                                         Prepared)

Please indicate your level of concern regarding the degree of the impact that the H1N1 swine flu epidemic will have on you and your family. Use a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 indicates “Not At All Concerned” and 7 indicates “Extremely Concerned.”

                                    Week 1 (4/27)       Week 2 (5/6/09)
    1 - Not At All Concerned             3%                  6%
    2 - Not Concerned                   12%                 21%
    Bottom 2                            15%                 27%
    3 - Somewhat Not Concerned          11%                 19%
    4 - Neutral                         12%                 13%
    5 - Somewhat Concerned              41%                 31%
    Top 2                               21%                 10%
    6 - Concerned                       18%                  9%
    7 - Extremely Concerned              4%                  1%

    MEAN                            4.4 (Neutral)       3.8 (Neutral)

HCD Research is a communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ. The company’s services include traditional and web-based communications research. For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393. Headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, MCIPO is a respected source of public opinion data on local, state and national issues. For additional information on Muhlenberg College, go to www.muhlenberg.edu.

SOURCE HCD Research