Popular and Scientific Attitudes Regarding Pandemic Influenza
2008
Public Attitudes on Pandemic Influenza
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Peter Doshi
Primary Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Hypothesis
Are Americans' perceptions of pandemic influenza comparable to those associated with past pandemics?
Conclusion
There is a gap between public perceptions of pandemic influenza and the reality of past pandemics.
Supporting Evidence
- Recent pandemics have been comparable to or less deadly than ordinary influenza seasons.
- Many respondents may not have been familiar with past pandemics despite having lived through them.
Takeaway
People think a pandemic flu is really scary, but it might not be as bad as they imagine because past pandemics weren't that different from regular flu seasons.
Methodology
The study involved a survey where respondents were asked to imagine a severe outbreak of a new type of flu.
Limitations
The survey did not assess whether respondents were aware of their experiences with past pandemics.
Participant Demographics
39% of respondents were over 50 years of age.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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