(P2-21) Differences in Self-Protective Behavior between Hospital Workers and Community Care Workers in Israel during the Peak of A/H1N1 Pandemic

Abstract

Background

Effective function of the community care system is important during a pandemic. Self-protective behavior might help stop the spread of the disease during a pandemic and prevent system dysfunction because of personnel morbidity.

Objective

To compare the immunization rate and reported self-protective behavior of healthcare workers between hospitals and community care clinics during the peak of the winter A/H1N1 pandemic in Israel.

Methods

A questionnaire was completed by 1,147 healthcare workers in 21 hospitals and 40 primary care clinics in Israel between 26 November 2009 and 10 December 2009 (the peak of the winter A/H1N1 flu outbreak).

Results

The rate of vaccination against A/H1N1 among hospital workers (27.9%) was significantly higher compared with primary care clinics workers (19.3%) (OR = 0.691 (0.821–0.582)).