Comparison between Covid-19 and influenza A(H1N1) pandemic experiences and risk perception in a Mexican university

Abstract: Objective: To compare the perceptions and experiences between the A(H1N1) and Covid-19 pandemics in a university population. Materials and methods: Online surveys were administered during the influenza A(H1N1) -originated in Mexico in 2009- and Covid-19 epidemics. Measures: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, information and communication, perception of risk, physical and mental health, effects on daily life, and preventive behaviors. Results: This study included 24 998 respondents, 51.36% from the A(H1N1) group and 48.63% from the Covid-19 group. Differences were observed in the perception of severity. During the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic worry was the feeling reported most frequently, while for Covid-19 it was anxiety. Covid-19 had greater impact on students’ family economy and caused a higher uncertainty. Conclusions: The perceptions and experiences of the two pandemics were similar but the impact has been much greater for Covid-19, especially in terms of the severity, family economy, preventive behaviors, and uncertainty.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Peláez-Ballestas,Ingris, Infante-Castañeda,Claudia, Giraldo-Rodríguez,Liliana
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública 2021
Online Access:	http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36342021000500619
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