Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to provide baseline data about nurses' Influenza A (H1N1) knowledge, awareness, andpractice of infection control and to identify the significant factor affecting the level of practice.
METHODS
The subjects of this study were 144 nurses who worked at Influenza A (H1N1) regional base Hospital in D city. Data were collected by self-reported questionnaires during September 2009. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 12.0 program.
RESULTS
The knowledge of Influenza A (H1N1) was statistically different according to age, unit, career and experience of seasonal influenza vaccination during the last year. The awareness of infection control was statistically different according to age, career, experience of seasonal influenza vaccination for last year and intention to get seasonal influenza vaccination for this year. The practice of infection control was statistically different according to unit, experience of seasonal influenza vaccination for last year, intention to get seasonal influenza vaccination for this year and intention to get Influenza A (H1N1) vaccination for this year. There was positive correlation among knowledge, awareness and practice (p < .05). Awareness was the significant factor affecting the level of practice.
CONCLUSION
An educational program focusing on strategy to change nurse's awareness can be effective for infection control of Influenza A (H1N1) in regional base hospitals.

• Keywords: Influenza; Knowledge; Awareness; Practice; Infection control