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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
It is hard to avoid hearing about influenza virus these days. The new influenza virus (H1N1) was
first detected in people in the Mexico in April 2009. This virus is spread from person-to-person,
transmitted by inhalation of infectious droplets and droplet nuclei, by direct contact, and
perhaps, by indirect contact, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza
virus spread. As like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Seasonal flu,
severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. The
new spread of this virus has lead to 66 deaths in Malaysia (updated on 18 August 2009) and
many people being contact with the influenza either directly or indirectly. There is no vaccine
available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that canhelp prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Thus, it is
important to discover the level of awareness especially among UMP students. As observed, we
can identify that different students in UMP might have different perceptions or attitude towards
prevention and protection strategy of influenza. For example, keep ourselves away from the
crowded areas; wear suitable personal protective equipment such as masks or glove when
necessary. Thus, a case study such as this may help create deeper awareness on the effects of
pandemic influenza.
1.2 Problem statement
The spread of influenza is increasing rapidly and vaccines are not found easily, a measure to
protect mankind from getting this flu is important. Not many are aware on how to react if they
are faced with such a situation, thus awareness is a must.
1.3 Research objectives
1.3.1 To investigate the level of awareness on pandemic influenza.
1.3.2 To find out influenza self-prevention strategy among students.
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1.4 Research Question
1.4.1 Do UMP students know what pandemic influenza is?
1.4.2 Are they aware pandemic influenza?
1.4.3 Do UMP students practice positive attitude towards pandemic influenza?
1.4.4 Do UMP students work towards practicing self-prevention from the spread of influenza?
1.5 Definition of the terms
1.5.1Awareness
Awareness is the state of elementary or undifferentiated consciousness among the students. It
is an alert cognitive state in which the students are aware of themselves and their situation.
1.5.2Pandemic
Pandemicis a geographical widespread outbreak of an infectious disease in which many people
are infected at the same time; occurring throughout a region or even throughout the world.
1.5.3Influenza
Influenza is an acute febrile which is characterized by fever and highly contagious viral disease.
It is easily diffused or spread as from one person to another by infection.
1.6 Review of methodology
As to conduct this research, we decided to use one type of instruments which is survey
questionnaires. The target audience involve in this research are 80 UMP students from varies
faculties. For the survey questionnaires participants, we decided to choose them according to
our distribution ratio which is non-random technique.
1.7 Organization of chapters
This study comprises of five chapters which are introduction, review of literature, methodology,
findings, conclusion and recommendation. Under chapter one of introduction, the chapter is
sub-divided into background of the study which explains a history on pandemic influenza,
problem statement, research objectives, research questions and definition of the terms.
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As for the second chapter of review of literature, it is all about the synthesis of articles related to
the study of the level of awareness for pandemic influenza.
The third chapter of methodology is sub-divided into three which are description of participants
who are involved in the survey questionnaires, data collection instruments which are survey
questionnaire and individual interview and data analysis.
The fourth chapter is on the findings and discussion of the survey and interview conducted and
for the results obtained.
As for the last chapter which is conclusion and recommendation is an overall on the study and
to provide measures for improvement.
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CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The review of literature of this pandemic influenza research consists of three sub-elements. The
sub-elements are pattern of pandemic influenza, symptoms and effect of pandemic influenza,
prevention and control measures of pandemic influenza and Malaysian government policy and
reaction towards influenza. Basically we synthesized related articles from various case studies
of pandemic influenza as a support evidence of every fact that we discussed.
2.1 Pattern of pandemic influenza
From history, there are several types of pandemic influenza that been attacked human starting
from year 1918 (H1N1, Spanish Flu), 1957 (H2N2, Asian Flu) and 1968 (H3N2, Hong Kong Flu).
(Yu, Tsung, Ding, Pei, Luan, Chun, Chin, Fu, Li, 2006) The latest pandemic influenza before
Influenza A, H1N1 is H5N1 which called as bird flu that attacked in year 2006. The same
patterns of all these pandemic influenza are the characteristic, symptoms and effects of this
virus. But the levels of seriousness of the pandemic influenza are different. From the research, it
can be realized that the level of severity of this virus is increasing from the first pandemic
influenza till the latest one (bird flu in 2006). A researcher predicted that the new pandemic
influenza that will be more severe than the bird flu because the virus can be transmitted
between human to human compared to the previous which is bird flu (transmitted between
poultry to human only) (Robin B. M., 2007) This statement has been proven by the existing
pandemic influenza in 2009 which is swine flu, H1N1. From the bird flu cases, the wide spread
of the virus are because of seasonality element. This is due to the virus which is transmitted via
bird. The bird usually transfer from one place to another place when the change of season.
Thats make the avian influenza spread. (Andrew, W. P., Kathryn G., 2007) As the conclusion,
from the past cases of pandemic influenza, we can predict what the characteristic of the future
pandemic influenza is. If we can predict it earlier, the vaccine of the pandemic influenza can be
produced faster than before and that makes the number of fatality or infected persons can be
decrease.
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2.2 Symptoms and effect of pandemic influenza
The pandemic influenza factsheet is the research on comparing symptoms and complications
with symptoms of the common cold. The symptoms of pandemic influenza are similar as
seasonal influenza. A guide from a medical officer of health claim that the symptoms appear
suddenly and can include, muscle aches and pains, tiredness, loss of appetite, cough, sore
throat and stuffy or runny nose. Depending on the new subtype that emerges, symptoms may
be more severe and complications more widespread because nobody will have any immunity or
protection against that particular virus. In his study of pandemic influenza and health care
demand, (Hageenaars, 2004) found that the effect of differences in timing of vaccination
campaigns, and the impact of strategies in which anti viral are prescribed to certain groups up
until the moment that a newly developed vaccine becomes available. Other than that, he
revealed that there are some nonlinear effects such as the reduction of the transmission
intensity that occurs when therapeutic antiviral use leads to a reduced duration of infectiousness
and when the number of susceptible individuals is reduced through vaccination. On the other
hand, the effect arises because immune individuals are not only unable to acquire the infection
but also unable to pass it on to others. As for that, it can be said that the pandemic symptoms
are serious than seasonal influenza and the effect of the disease can be more serious if the
early prevention measure are not taken when the symptoms are clearly appear to the victim.
2.3Prevention and control measures
Research conducted in the 20th century has revealed the spread of influenza is constantly
increasing and is predicted to continue increasing in the near future (Cinti, 2005). Pandemic
preparedness has been visible across the world. Exposure to influenza such as type A (H1N1)
requires prevention and control measures. Kitler (2002) in his research on prevention and
control of influenza says that, medically vaccination has been proven to be most effective to
stimulate the production of antibodies and also to reduce the replication capabilities of the virus.
In addition to that, extensive experience with vaccines has demonstrated that vaccines provide
good protection. On the other hand (Cinti, 2005) the control measures such as quarantine is
said to be most effective for the moment, delaying the spread of epidemic. Wearing mask,
adequate ventilation can help to equally prevent influenza spread that is airborne. On the other
hand, Kitler (2002) claims that early warning through pandemic surveillance around the world is
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most effective in achieving early prevention and protection against such spread of influenza. In
addition, pandemic readiness based on international, national and regional planning across the
world in order to develop the worlds capacity to respond to the epidemics (Cox, 2003).
Therefore, it can be said that prevention of such deadly spread of influenzas is much needed to
sustain the human population. Its best said that prevention is better than cure.
2.4 Malaysian government policy and reactions towards influenza
The Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia has taken some measures on
preventive and control actions on the novel pandemic influenza, H1N1. Some measures such
as school closure, setting up operation rooms for the monitoring of influenza H1N1 since 26
April 2009. (MOH, 2009) The Government has also developed the interim guidelines on
surveillance of influenza A H1N1 in Malaysia. The Society of Occupational and Environmental
Medicine (SOEM) of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) with the collaboration of Ministry
of Health (MOH) Malaysia had defined the pre-pandemic and pandemic action stage on
recommendations on influenza for industry in Malaysia (MOH, SOEM, 2006). Those agencies
have listed down the level of influenza pandemic phase and strategic actions to be taken. This
included the list of the participating designated hospitals. It is also explained the guidance
provided under NIPPP for the preparedness and response needed in facing the threat of an
influenza pandemic and the roles or functions of other ministries, departments and non-
governmental organizations during influenza pandemic (NIPPP,2009).
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CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
In this chapter, we will discuss about the specification of method used to conduct our research.
This methodology chapter consist of three elements which are participants, data collection
instruments and data analysis. The participants section discusses about the target audience of
this survey and how we distribute our instruments to the participants. For the second section,
we explain about the detail of instruments used which are survey questionnaires. The last
section will explain about how we analyze the collected data.
3.1 Participants
As for the first method to conduct this research, we decided to use the survey questionnaire
method. Generally the participants are UMP students from all faculties including male and
female. The faculties involved in this survey are Faculty of Technology Management, Faculty of
Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering & Natural Resource,
Faculty of Computer Science & Software Engineering, and Faculty of Science & Industrial
Technology. Each faculty will be given an equal number of survey questionnaires which is 10
per faculty. From each faculty, we divide it into two categories which are male and female and
the distribution ratio is 50:50. For a clearer view of the participant division, refer to the table
below.
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Table 3.1
No
.
FACULTY MALE FEMALE TOTAL
1 Faculty of Technology Management 5 5 10
2 Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering 5 5 103 Faculty of Electrical Engineering 5 5 10
4 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering 5 5 10
5 Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources
Engineering
5 5 10
6 Faculty of Civil & Environmental Engineering 5 5 10
7 Faculty of Computer Science & Software
Engineering
5 5 10
8 Faculty of Industrial Science & Technology 5 5 10
TOTAL 80
Breakdown of participants according to gender and faculty
3.2 Data collection instruments
There are several methods to collect primary source data. Therefore we chose two methods
that are survey questionnaires and individual interview.
Survey questionnaire on the awareness of pandemic influenza among UMP students is our
main method to collect primary data about the study mentioned above. The survey consists of
19 questions. The survey questionnaire is sub-divided into two which are open ended and close
ended questions. The close ended form is equally sub-divided into a few types which are
dichotomous, rank and multiple choices.
3.3 Data analysis
After we conducted the survey, the data are collected and interpreted. There are 80
respondents for survey questionnaire.
The analyses of survey questionnaires are done using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The
feedback from 80 respondents has been analyzed in the spreadsheet because it will be easy for
calculating the frequency for each choice of the answer.
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Step 1
Numbering each of the questions.
Step 2
Number each question and variable. For example each type of question will have a different
way of numbering:
i. For all closed, open-ended, multiple choice (in which respondents can only choose one
answer), fill in relevant information and scale question, each question will be considered as
individual variables.
ii. With rank questions, each choice is a variable.
Step 3
Once we have collected the feedback from respondents, we transferred the data into
Microsoft Excel worksheet. The summary of the data look like the table below:
Variables
Respondents
V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7
R1
R2
R4
R5
Step 4
Tabulate the information :
Table 1 Program Respondents n = 80Gender Frequency Percentage (%)
Male 40 50
Female 40 50
Total 80 100
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CHAPTER FOUR
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is the analysis of the findings on the level of awareness among UMP students
towards pandemic influenza and UMP students awareness towards self-prevention from the
spread of pandemic influenza. This analysis will be presented in table form, pie chart and
diagram.
4.1 PARTICIPANTS INFORMATION
Eighty UMPs students are involved in this research. Table 4.1 illustrates the breakdown of the
participants according to gender and faculty.
Table 4.1
Breakdown of participants according to gender, faculty and year of study
From the table 4.1, it indicates that 10 students (5 male and 5 female) of each faculty
participated in this study. According to the year of study, most of the participants were a second
year students.
GENDER MALE FEMALE TOTAL
FACULTY / YEAR OF STUDY 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT 5 5 10
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 2 2 1 3 2 10
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 4 1 5 10
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING 5 5 10
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING 5 5 10
COMPUTER SCIENCE 5 5 10
INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE 5 5 10
CIVIL ENGINEERING 2 1 1 1 2 3 10
TOTAL 2 32 4 2 0 33 4 3 80
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4.2INVESTIGATE THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS TOWARDS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
Figure 4.2
Sources of being infected by pandemic influenza
The pie chart above shows the sources of being infected by pandemic influenza chosen by
UMP students. According to the chart, we can conclude that majority of UMP students, 28(35%), believe that the source of being infected by pandemic influenza is by visiting foreign
countries followed by being in direct contact with the body liquid of a H1N1 patient, 25 (31%),
being around public places, 21 (26%), and involvement in outdoor activities, 6 (8%). From the
results, it can be conclude that probably the virus of pandemic influenza is more spread in the
foreign country, so for those who visiting the foreign country which is already be overcome by
the virus can easily got the disease from there. Perhaps the students are not aware and did not
care about how pandemic influenza spread and where the virus come from because the
accurate source actually is being in direct contact with the body fluid of a H1N1 patients.
21, 26%
28, 35%
25, 31%
6, 8%
Being around public places
Visiting foreign countries
Being in direct contact with the
body liquid of a H1N1 patient
Involvement in outdoor activity
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Figure 4.3
The effects of infected by pandemic influenza
The results shows the majority, 61 (76%), says that the effect is the victim face to the death or
fatal. 16 (20%) of UMP students said that the effect of the disease is semi-conscious. Least
number of students thought that the effect of the pandemic influenza can cause stroke and
coma. Only a few of the students does not really aware of the effect of pandemic influenza.Consequently besides the control measures taken, the goals to minimize the impact of
pandemic influenza are identifying pandemic influenza and monitoring its spread and impact,
containing the spread of infection to the extent that this is possible, reducing illness and saving
lives, ensuring the continuation of essential services, thereby minimizing social and economic
disruption, and ensuring that the public, health professionals and media have up-to-date,
comprehensive information at all stages. As for that, it can be summarized that the virus of
pandemic influenza can cause fatal if there are no prevention or control measures taken with
the goals to minimize the impact and the students should aware on the effect related to thedisease.
From the survey also, we are able to identify weather they aware on type of viruses that can be
classified under pandemic influenza. Almost all students agree that swine flu (66, 83%) and bird
flu (66, 83%) are both under the pandemic influenza family. We can see that the student knows
how to classify the viruses, and aware about the types of pandemic influenza. Only some of
2, 3%
61, 76%
16, 20%
1, 1%
Coma
Fatal
Semi-concious
Stroke
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them are not really knows about the types of pandemic influenza because they also classified
SARS (50, 63%), JE virus (28, 35%) and even AIDS (10, 13%) with the pandemic influenza
group.
When talking about the sources of information of pandemic influenza, almost all UMPs student
agree that they get the information from the news (77, 96%). News can be in several type of
mass media includes from news paper, radio and television. Almost half of them are also gain
the information from the advertisement (39, 49%) and the internet (52, 65%). The least number
of students got the information about the pandemic influenza through magazines (15, 19%).
From this data, we can conclude that student rely on the news to get the real facts or
information about the current issues.
Figure 4.4
Symptoms of pandemic influenza
From the diagram above, it is stated that almost 90% of UMPs student know about the fact
about the symptoms of pandemic influenza which is cough (71, 89%), flu (67, 84%), runny nose
(41, 51%) and difficulty in breathing (65, 81%). It is prove that the information that they get from
new, advertisement, internet and etc, contains the true information or the fact of pandemic
influenza. Only minor of them have a little bit confusing fact about the symptoms of pandemic
influenza because they also certified that eye-swelling (8, 10%) and rashes (6, 8%) as the
symptoms of the virus.
71,89%67,84%
41,51%
65,81%
8,10% 6,8%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Cough Flu Runny nose Difficulty in
breathing
Eye-swelling Rashes
YES
NO
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4.3 IDENTIFY STUDENTS AWARENESS TOWARDS SELF-PREVENTION FROM THE
SPREAD OF PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
Figure 4.5
Level of awareness towards preventive measures
The column graph above shows the level of awareness among UMP students towards self-
prevention from the spread of pandemic influenza. From this, the highest number of student
shows that they agree to the fact that quarantine is the most effective way to prevent the
widespread of pandemic influenza (79, 99%). Apart from that, other measures include good
hygienic practice (75, 94%), serious measure need to be taken by government (70, 88%) and
the lowest is wearing mask (27, 34%).
It can be concluded that quarantine is the most effective way towards self-prevention from the
spread of pandemic influenza, and this is due to the reason that pandemic influenza is an
airborne disease and is certain to spread in air. Therefore quarantine is a wise measure to take.
79,99%
70,88%
17,21%
76,95%
27,34%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Quarantine Government
measures
Wear mask Hygienic
practice
Stay indoor
AGREE
DISAGREE
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Based on the overall findings, we can conclude that majority of the UMP students believe that
human are easily infected by pandemic influenza if they visiting any foreign country or have the
direct contact with body liquid of H1N1 patients. They knew that self protection techniques such
as quarantine from the crowded areas may prevent themselves to be exposed to H1N1 virus
infection.
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CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In this chapter, we will conclude all the findings that we have found in this research. All findings
are based on our two research questions and the conclusion will shows whether achieve our
objectives or not.
5.1 CONCLUSION
As we all aware, pandemic influenza is actually a global disease outbreak which spread by the
airborne. Due to the survey, the results shows that majority students believe that the source of
being infected by pandemic influenza are visiting foreign countries and being direct contact with
the body liquid of H1N1 patients. The UMP students realize that this disease can bring to fatal
cases if there are no precautions measures are taken to avoid from getting the virus.
Consequently besides the control measures taken, the goals to minimize the impact of
pandemic influenza are identifying pandemic influenza and monitoring its spread and impact,
containing the spread of infection to the extent that this is possible, reducing illness and saving
lives, ensuring the continuation of essential services, thereby minimizing social and economic
disruption, and ensuring that the public, health professionals and media have up-to-date,
comprehensive information at all stages. As for that, it can be thought that the virus of pandemic
influenza can cause fatal if there are no prevention or control measures taken with the goals to
minimize the impact and the students should aware on the effect related to the disease.
Besides, they are agreed that swine flu and bird flu can be classified under pandemic influenza
group. This shows that they are aware about the characteristic of viruses that had been
attacked human and they can classified the viruses according to its type. Majority of them get all
this information from the news which provides the true facts about the current virus issues. We
can see that the students know about the source of information that can provide them valuable
information so that they can take any possible precaution measures to protect themselves.
Some of the valuable information that they get are the symptoms of the virus which is cough, flu,
runny nose and difficulty in breathing. As for that, we can say that news from mass media such
as newspaper, television and radio provides facts which can contribute to the safety of the
community.
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After conducting this survey, it is found that students in UMP have the general idea on how to
keep themselves protected from the spread of pandemic influenza. From this it can be said that
they realize the only obvious effective way to protect them from the spread of pandemic
influenza such as H1N1 is though quarantine. Therefore, it is safe to say that UMP students are
aware on how to keep them protected.
As for the overall conclusions, we have found that UMP students are aware on pandemic
influenza in term of sources of infection, types of pandemic influenza, symptoms and effects of
the pandemic influenza itself. They are also well aware that quarantine is the most effective way
to self-prevention at the moment.
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
We recommend that university should organize some campaign to increase the level of
awareness among UMP students. The campaign such as seminar, talks or weekly awareness
road show can communicate effectively to all level of universitys members which may include
staffs and students as well. Students who know the basis knowledge about pandemic influenza
can gain more information about the preventive and reactive measures during the road show.
University must take initiative to advertise these issues to all level of university through internal
media such as UMP radio, announcement in university web portal or flyer etc. Sometime,
student may just ignore the impact of pandemic influenza due to human physical weakness.
Human always create errors, for example, easily forget if there is no remind. A simple daily
announcement in student portal may give awareness to every student about the pandemic
influenza.
Student clinic and affairs department shall provide Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to
students for free. Those PPE equipments are masks and hand gloves. PPE is very important to
eliminate the possible chances of getting infected by pandemic influenza. This will give the
signal to all students so that everyone will know about the pandemic influenza either direct orindirectly.
Sanitizer such as hand washer shall provide in public places such as washroom or toilet and
cafe. Virus can live on hard surfaces for up to two days, and on hands for up to five minutes, so
washing hand often with suitable sanitizer can keep ourselves and others healthy at most of the
times. This can help increase the hygiene practices among university students.
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In addition, every lecturer can plays the vital role in helping to create the healthy scenarios in
every lecture room before start teaching on the days. For instance, lecturer should start the
class by communicate to make sure the students health. Lecturer should immediately give
excuses for quarantine for those who felt uncomfortable in class or having any health problem.
They should immediately send for medical body check up and being quarantine if necessary.
Another preventive measure is a personal stress management system. Stress suppresses the
immune system and makes one vulnerable to infections. A stress management system is
beyond the scope of this page but is vitally important to maintaining good health and avoiding
the bugs. University should develop a counseling team to give advice to students who need help
in stress management especially during the exam weeks.
Students Clinic should provide nutritional supplements to students who needed it by selling it at
reasonable price or giving it for free. The use of nutritional supplements to support immune
function may reduce the incidence, duration, and severity of infections in general. Having the
immune system working at peak efficiency before getting sick is far more effective than waiting
until getting sick. Basic immune system function can be boosted dramatically by supplementing
Vitamins A, C, and Zinc. This combination is particularly beneficial in supporting immune
function, is relatively inexpensive, and works better than many herbs and other products.
There are also some recommendations or preventive measures for every individual:
1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from
others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay at home from work, school, and errands
when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those
around you from getting sick.
4. Washing your hands often with suitable sanitizer will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with hands. Germs are often spread when a
person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her
eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your
stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
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and southeast Asia. Retrieved on 28 JULY 2009 from http://infection.thelancet.com
Calgary Health Region, (December, 2005),Explaining Pandemic Influenza: A Guide fromthe Medical Officer of Health provides health professionals and members of the publicwith a better understanding of pandemic influenza, its likely impact on Canada and theCalgary Health Regions plan to respond, Retrieved on July 15, 2009 fromhttp://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca
Cinti.S.,MD(2005).Pandemic influenza:Are We ready?.Retrieved on 15 JULY 2009
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Ministry of Health Malaysia (May, 2009) National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan(NIPPP), Retrieved on August 3, 2009) fromhttp://h1n1.moh.gov.my/NIPPP/NIPPP%20STRATEGIES.pdf
Ministry of Health Malaysia (May 13, 2009), Preventive and Control Actions - Flu A H1N1,Retrieved on August 1, 2009) fromhttp://h1n1.moh.gov.my/TechnicalPresentation/Flu%20A%20H1N1%20-%20Preventive%20&%20Control%20Actions%20(13Mei09).pdf
Ministry of Health Malaysia; The Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine(SOEM) of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) (March, 2006),RecommendationsOn Influenza Pandemic Preparedness For Industry In Malaysia, Retrieved on July 21,2009 fromhttp://h1n1.moh.gov.my/industri/Preparedness_for_Pandemic_Flu_in_Industry.pdf
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Nancy J. C., Susan E. T., Theresa T., (2003).Influenza pandemic
planning.Influenza Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton
Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Division of Immunization and Respiratory Diseases,
Perth District Health Unit, Ottawa, Ont., Canada Health Canada, Stratford, Ont., Canada.
Retrieved on 15 JULY 2009 from http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/guide.pdf
Robin B. M. (2007)Avian Influenza: The Next Pandemic? Retrieved on 28 JULY 2009
from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B75BF-4PC77R8-7-
T&_cdi=12981&_user=4406426&_orig=search&_coverDate=07%2F31%2F2007&_sk=9
99469992&view=c&wchp=dGLbVzW-
zSkWA&md5=bd1394f9a69171a9034dce187011c5ab&ie=/sdarticle.pdf
South Australia Government,(September, 2005) Department of trade economydevelopment, Source by Queensland Government Action Plan for Pandemic Influenza,Pandemic Influenza factsheet, Retrieved on July 27, 2009 fromhttp://www.southaustralia.biz
Yu C. H., Tsung Z. W., Ding P. L., Pei L. S., Luan Y. C., Chun Y. L., Chin Y. L., Fu Y. H.,
Li M. H. (2006) Influenza Pandemics: Past, Present and Future.Retrieved on 19 JULY
2009 from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B83W8-
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1&_cdi=33780&_user=4406426&_orig=search&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2006&_sk=9
98949998&view=c&wchp=dGLzVtz-
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APPENDICES
i. SAMPLE OF SURVEY QUESTIONAIRES
Dear respondents
This survey is to study on the awareness of pandemic influenza among UMP students.
We hope that you will answer the questions truthfully. Thank you.
Instructions : Please answer all the questions below.
Section A :
1. Gender : Male Female
2. Age :
3. Year of studies: 1 2 3 4
4. Faculty :
Section B
This section is to investigate the level of awareness towards pandemic influenza.
Please put a tick on ONLY one answer.
5. Pandemic influenza is,
A.
B. A pandemic influenza is a global disease outbreak
C.
D.
6. From several cases of pandemic influenza that occurred in Malaysia, what are the sources of being
infected by this influenza?
A. Being around public places
B.Visiting foreign countries
C. Being in direct contact with the body liquid of a H1N1 patient
D.Involvement in outdoor activity
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7. Is this disease fatal?
Yes No
Please put a tick on MORE than one answer.
8. In your opinion, what are the types of influenza stated below that can be classified as pandemic
influenza?
Swine flu
Bird flu
SARS
J.E. virus
AIDS
9. From what sources, do you receive latest information on a pandemic influenza such as H1N1?
News
Advertisement
Internet
Magazines
Others, please specify
10. From what you have heard, what are the symptoms of the pandemic influenza?
Coughflu
muscle pain
difficulty in breathing
diarrhea
rashes
11. What are the effects of being infected by pandemic influenza?
A.
B.
C.
D.
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Section C
This section is to identify students awareness towards self-prevention from the spread of pandemicinfluenza.
Please put a tick on ONLY one answer.
12. Have you been in direct contact with a person that have pandemic influenza/
Yes No
13. Do you think it is important to take measures to control the spread of pandemic influenza seriously?
Yes No
Please put a tick according to preferences.
No. Questions Strongly
Agree
Agree Disagree Strongly
Disagree
14 Quarantine is the most effective way to prevent
the widespread of pandemic influenza.
15 Serious measure need to be taken by the
government in order to prevent the spread of
pandemic influenza.
16 Only H1N1influenza requires patients to mustwear mask.
17 The hygienic practice must be implemented by allof the UMP students to make sure that they are
not infected by the pandemic influenza.
18 If you are a H1N1 patient, it is not necessary to
stay indoors/ at home all the time.
19. The university has declared a state of emergency to all students due to the increase spread of confirm
H1N1 influenza cases, you are trying to avoid from getting the flu. What will you do?
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ii. VARIABLE TABLE
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iii. DATA ANALYSIS
SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
SECTION B: IDENTIFICATION ON THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS TOWARDS PANDEMIC
INFLUENZA
Definition of Pandemic Influenza
From the figure 4.1 above, we can see that the most of the UMPs students (41, 51%) think that
the pandemic influenza is Influenza A, whereas the pandemic influenza is actually a global
disease outbreak (23, 29%). Others said that pandemic influenza is a viral influenza (13, 16%)
41, 51%
23, 29%
13, 16%
3, 4%
Figure 5.1
Influenza A
A global disease outbreak
Viral influenza
Chronic influenza
GENDER MALE FEMALE TOTAL
FACULTY / YEAR OF STUDY 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT 5 5 10
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 2 2 1 3 2 10
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 4 1 5 10
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING 5 5 10
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING 5 5 10
COMPUTER SCIENCE 5 5 10
INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE 5 5 10
CIVIL ENGINEERING 2 1 1 1 2 3 10
TOTAL 2 32 4 2 0 33 4 3 80
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and a chronic influenza (3, 4%). From the percentage above, it is clearly stated that majority of
the student are not aware about the meaning of pandemic influenza and dont have the sense of
curiosity to find out about it.
FIGURE 5.2
Sources of being infected by pandemic influenza
The pie chart above shows the sources of being infected by pandemic influenza chosen by
UMP students. According to the chart, we can conclude that majority of UMP students, 28
(35%), believe that the source of being infected by pandemic influenza is by visiting foreign
countries followed by being in direct contact with the body liquid of a H1N1 patient, 25 (31%),
being around public places, 21 (26%), and involvement in outdoor activities, 6 (8%). From the
results, it can be conclude that probably the virus of pandemic influenza is more spread in the
foreign country, so for those who visiting the foreign country which is already be overcome by
the virus can easily got the disease from there. Perhaps the students are not aware and did not
care about how pandemic influenza spread and where the virus come from because the
accurate source actually is being in direct contact with the body fluid of a H1N1 patients.
21, 26%
28, 35%
25, 31%
6, 8% Being around public
places
Visiting foreign
countries
Being in direct contact
with the body liquid of
a H1N1 patient
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FIGURE 5.3
The effects of infected by pandemic influenza
The results shows the majority, 61 (76%), says that the effect is the victim face to the
death or fatal. 16 (20%) of UMP students said that the effect of the disease is semi-conscious.
Least number of students thought that the effect of the pandemic influenza can cause stroke
and coma. Only a few of the students does not really aware of the effect of pandemic influenza.
Consequently besides the control measures taken, the goals to minimize the impact of
pandemic influenza are identifying pandemic influenza and monitoring its spread and impact,
containing the spread of infection to the extent that this is possible, reducing illness and saving
lives, ensuring the continuation of essential services, thereby minimizing social and economic
disruption, and ensuring that the public, health professionals and media have up-to-date,
comprehensive information at all stages. As for that, it can be summarized that the virus of
pandemic influenza can cause fatal if there are no prevention or control measures taken with
the goals to minimize the impact and the students should aware on the effect related to the
disease.
2, 3%
61, 76%
16, 20%
1, 1%
Coma
Fatal
Semi-concious
Stroke
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FIGURE 5.4
The fatalities due to pandemic influenza
The figure prove that large number of UMP students aware that pandemic influenza can
cause fatal if there are no prevention or control measures taken because the virus can spread
quickly, affects the health and give big impact to the surrounding people and also almost
around the world. There is only 13 (16%) of the students think that the virus did not cause fatal
cases. Majority 67 (84%), think that pandemic influenza can cause fatal because they frequently
expose to the news and advertisement about this disease. This serious pandemic is also likely
to cause many deaths, disrupt the daily life of many people and cause intense pressure on
healthcare and other services. It is clear that pandemic influenza is dangerous. Furthermore, thesymptoms may be more severe because nobody will have any immunity or protection against
that particular virus.
67, 84%
13, 16%
YES
NO
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Types of virus that can be classified as pandemic influenza
From the above graph, we are able to identify weather they aware on type of viruses that can be
classified under pandemic influenza. Almost all students agree that swine flu (66, 83%) and bird
flu (66, 83%) are both under the pandemic influenza family. We can see that the student knows
how to classify the viruses, and aware about the types of pandemic influenza. Just some of
them are not really knows about the types of pandemic influenza because they also classified
SARS (50, 63%), JE virus (28, 35%) and even AIDS (10, 13%) with the pandemic influenza
group.
Sources of information about the pandemic influenza
66,83% 66,83%
50,63%
28,35%
10,13%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Swine flu Bird flu SARS J.E. virus AIDS
FIGURE 5.5
YES
NO
77,96%
39,49%
52,65%
15,19%
2,3%0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
News Advertisement Internet Magazines Others
FIGURE 5.6
YES
NO
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When talking about the sources of information of pandemic influenza, almost all UMPs student
agree that they get the information from the news (77, 96%). News can be in several type of
mass media includes from news paper, radio and television. Almost half of them are also gain
the information from the advertisement (39, 49%) and the internet (52, 65%). The least number
of students got the information about the pandemic influenza through magazines (15, 19%).
From this data, we can conclude that student rely on the news to get the real facts or
information about the current issues.
Symptoms of pandemic influenza
From the diagram above, it is stated that almost 90% of UMPs student know about the factabout the symptoms of pandemic influenza which is cough (71, 89%), flu (67, 84%), runny nose
(41, 51%) and difficulty in breathing (65, 81%). It is prove that the information that they get from
new, advertisement, internet and etc, contains the true information or the fact of pandemic
influenza. Only minor of them have a little bit confusing fact about the symptoms of pandemic
influenza because they also certified that eye-swelling (8, 10%) and rashes (6, 8%) as the
symptoms of the virus.
71,89%67,84%
41,51%
65,81%
8,10% 6,8%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Cough Flu Runny nose Difficulty in
breathing
Eye-swelling Rashes
FIGURE 5.7
YES
NO
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Level of awareness towards preventive measures
The column bar graph above shows the level of awareness among UMP students towards self-
prevention from the spread of pandemic influenza. From this, highest numbers of students show
that they strongly agree on the fact that quarantine is the most effective way to prevent the
widespread of pandemic influenza and none disagrees to the fact stated earlier. This is due to
the reason that pandemic influenza is an airborne disease and is certain to spread in air
therefore it is clear that the best way students can think of and agree with is quarantine.
Next students the highest number shows that students agree that serious measures need to be
taken by the government in order to prevent the spread of pandemic influenza and less than 10
students disagree to the statement mentioned. This may be because, government not only
plays a role in preventing such a spread of influenza, and instead its a nations role to play as
well. Therefore the self-prevention awareness is clear.
As for the statement that only H1N1 patients are required to wear mask, most students disagree
to the statement. This is due to the reason that pandemic influenza is airborne, a non H1N1
patient in the midst of an H1N1 zone are highly likely to be diagnosed with such an influenza
and awareness are seen among students because the university is distributing mask for every
individual to wear.
79,99%
70,88%
17,21%
76,95%
27,34%
0
10
20
30
40
50
6070
80
90
Quarantine Government
measures
Wear mask Hygienic
practice
Stay indoor
FIGURE 5.8
AGREE
DISAGREE
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It is clear that majority strongly agrees that hygienic practice must be implemented by all of the
UMP students to make sure that they are not infected by the pandemic influenza. It is a known
fact that to stay clean always keeps every individual one step away from diseases.
Lastly, it seems that students on the whole, strongly disagrees that H1N1 patients is not
required to stay indoors all the time. From this, their level of understanding that quarantine is the
meaning of the sentence makes it clear that UMP students are well aware.
FIGURE 5.9
Student actions towards pandemic influenza
The pie chart above shows the different types of preventive actions taken by students during the
outbreak of pandemic influenza. Clearly, quarantine has the highest percentage of actions being
taken while taking vaccine and sleeping are the lowest. According to the chart, quarantine make
up a major portion of the actions being taken which is 27 (33%), and this is followed by wearing
masks which is 23 (29%). The remaining of actions are no comments, hygiene practice, taking
supplement, medical diagnosis, sleeping, taking vaccine and avoid visiting foreign country which
make up 11 (14%), 10 (13%), 4 (5%), 2 (3%), 1 (1%), 1 (1%) and 1 (1%) respectively. It can be
concluded that probably quarantine is the most basis knowledge that students know through the
advertisement and annoucement in media when there is a outbreak of pandemic influenza.
Figure 4.9
11; 14%
27; 33%23; 29%
4; 5%
2; 3%
1; 1%
10; 13%
1; 1%
1; 1%
No comment
Quarantine
Wearing mask
Taking supplement
Medical diagnosis
Sleeping
Hygiene practice
Avoid visiting foreign
country
Taking vaccine