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

Peláez-Ballestas, Ingris Infante-Castañeda Claudia Giraldo-Rodríguez Liliana

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. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Objetivo. Comparar las experiencias y percepciones de riesgo entre las pandemias de A(H1N1) y Covid-19 en universitarios. Material y métodos. Encuestas en línea comparables de las epidemias de influenza A(H1N1) -originada en México en 2009-y Covid-19. Evaluaciones: características sociodemográficas, conocimientos, información y comunicación, percepción de riesgo, salud física y mental, efectos en la vida cotidiana, conductas preventivas. Resultados. Participaron 24 998 sujetos;51.36% de grupo de A(H1N1) y 48.63% del grupo de Covid-19. Se observaron diferencias en la percepción de las epidemias. En influenza A(H1N1) la preocupación fue el sentimiento más frecuente y para Covid-19, la ansiedad. En Covid-19 hubo mayor impacto en la economía familiar y mayor incertidumbre para el regreso a clases. Conclusión. Las percepciones y experiencias de las dos pandemias fueron similares, pero el impacto ha sido mucho mayor para Covid-19 especialmente en la gravedad, economía familiar, conductas preventivas y en la incertidumbre. (Spanish) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Salud Pública de México is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)