Impacts of SARS on health-seeking behaviors in general population in Hong Kong

Abstract

The community in Hong Kong responded to the SARS epidemic by practicing more favorable health-seeking behaviors. Public health workers should utilize these opportunities to foster favorable changes.

Widespread public misconception in the early phase of the H1N1 influenza epidemic

“…This preparedness might have been built upon the experience of the SARS epidemic, during and after which the awareness and practice of public health measures against respiratory infectious diseases as well as government infrastructures have been much improved. 11,13 However, around 1 ⁄ 4 of the respondents were unaware of the fact that the virus could be transmitted via touching contaminated objects. Some other messages about personal hygiene measures such as avoid touching eye/noses had not been recalled by the respondents.…”

“…The items were modified from the questionnaire which was used in some avian flu studies 19e22, 24 and some SARS studies. 8,13,15,16 …”

“…8,9 In Hong Kong, SARS-related perceptions and behaviors changed dramatically during the early phase of the outbreak. 8,10e12 The prevalence of preventive behaviors increased sharply and remained high throughout the epidemic, 8,13 and such measures contributed its control. 14 Panic and worry were wide-spread during the epidemic and remained high in the post-SARS period.…”

Rewiring for adaptation

“…For example, during the 2002–2003 SARS outbreak in China, people began washing their hands more often and wearing masks [45] and those who were sick sought out health services more frequently [46]. In the language of networks, these can be considered behaviors that, respectively, reduce the effective strength of links between individuals and change the contact network itself.…”

Pediatric Asthma Mortality and Hospitalization Trends Across Asia Pacific

“…The low asthma hospitalization rates and C:R were sustained in the years after SARS in Hong Kong SAR. Although difficult to verify, the practice of health-seeking behaviors like frequent hand washing, adherence to doctors' advice, regular exercise, and frequent use of masks when having symptoms of influenza post-SARS as described by Lau et al [30] may have reduced respiratory viral infections and, therefore, viral-triggered wheezing. Hospitals in Hong Kong SAR also continued to abide by the policy introduced during SARS, prohibiting use of nebulizers, which possibly explains the sustained high reliever sales.…”