SARS-related Perceptions in Hong Kong
subject: Keywords: Hong Kong, SARS, community responses, perceptions, Mental health, Chinese
description: To understand different aspects of community responses related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), 2 population-based, random telephone surveys were conducted in June 2003 and January 2004 in Hong Kong. More than 70% of respondents would avoid visiting hospitals or mainland China to avoid contracting SARS. Most respondents believed that SARS could be transmitted through droplets, fomites, sewage, and animals. More than 90% believed that public health measures were efficacious means of prevention; 40.4% believed that SARS would resurge in Hong Kong; and ≈70% would then wear masks in public places. High percentages of respondents felt helpless, horrified, and apprehensive because of SARS. Approximately 16% showed signs of posttraumatic symptoms, and ≈40% perceived increased stress in family or work settings. The general public in Hong Kong has been very vigilant about SARS but needs to be more psychologically prepared to face a resurgence of the epidemic.
creator: Joseph T. F. Lau, Xilin Yang, Ellie Pang, H.Y. Tsui, Eric Wong, Yun Kwok Wing
source: Emerging Infectious Diseases
publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
date: 2005
language: EN
identifier: DOI: 10.3201/eid1103.040675
coverage: Infectious and parasitic diseases, Medicine