KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTH CENTER'S VISITORS TOWARDS FLU IN BAGHDAD

Mohammed Nassar Karkosh*

ABSTRACT

Background: Influenza is a more severe disease caused by a different type of virus. Influenza may produce nausea and vomiting, particularly in children. Aims: to show the extent of knowledge of the health center's visitors about seasonal flu and, to find out any association between the variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the health center of the Baghdad sector for the period from 1st January to the end of March 2019. The sample size was 150 participants. The questionnaire included all the demographic information and various questions about the definition of the disease and the spread methods. Data were collected from the health center's auditors who visited the center for treatment and for various reasons. The data was analyzed through descriptive and chi- square statistical analysis. Results: The higher frequency of male 83(55.3%) were more than the female cases 67(44.7%). According to the classification of visitor to department center, the higher rate of visitor cases 61 (40.8%) to outpatient clinic, followed by 26(17.3%) to the X-rays department and 23 (15.3%) to the vaccination and dental department There is not statistically significant relationships have been found between the gender and definition of flu. Conclusions: Higher rate of male knowledge towards the symptoms of flu and types of transmission were more than the female cases and there are not statistically significant relationships have been found between the symptoms, types of transmission and gender at the p > 0.0.5. In addition, half of cases had a good score of knowledge. Immunization programs should continue to focus on those persons at high risk of influenza-related complications.

Keywords: Flu, Knowledge, Rate, Visitor, Outpatient clinic.