Van et al. BMC Public Health 2010, 10:130 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/10/130 [95% CI, 1.00-4.68]; p = 0.02) and younger respondents aged 20-34 were the least likely group to believe that they were susceptible to infection (43.7%, 930/2129, p = 0.04). Lifestyle and specific behavioural changes Overall, most respondents (75.9%, 2188/2882) had not made any lifestyle changes, and 61.8% (1781/2882) had not undertaken any specific health behaviours due to the pandemic (Table 2). The most commonly reported change was the purchase of hygiene products such as face masks or hand hygiene products (20.8%, 600/2882). Asian-born respondents were significantly more likely than Austra- lian-born respondents to indicate that they had made a lifestyle change (OR, 2.78 [CI, 2.26-3.39]; p < 0.01), although this likelihood decreased with time spent in Aus- tralia. Uptake of avoidant behaviour was significantly related to being a student (32.1%, 603/1876, X2 = 44.14, p < 0.001) and belief that infection would have adverse health effects (OR, 2.22 [CI, 1.07-5.24]; p = 0.02). Those who had made at least one recommended behaviour change were significantly more likely to be anxious about the pandemic (OR, 4.27 [CI, 1.61-11.10]; p = 0.002), and were female (OR, 1.46 [CI, 1.15-1.84]; p = 0.001). Compliance with specific measures 60.2% (1736/2882, p < 0.001) of respondents were willing to comply with all five public health measures if requested Table 2 Behavioural responses to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Indicator Have you made changes to the way you live your life because of the current “swine flu situation"? Yes No Have you undertaken any of the following because of “swine flu"? Avoidant I have cancelled plans to meet friends, other students, family members I have avoided busy public places e.g. shopping areas, cinemas, restaurants I have cancelled/postponed travel plans-interstate or international I have stopped using public transport Non-disruptive I have bought hygiene products-face masks, hand wash to protect me from swine flu I have gotten a flu shot to help protect me swine flu from I have switched to listening to lecturers/participating in tutorials online I have organised to record lectures/tutorials I have stocked up on food and/or other necessities No behaviour change I haven’t changed any of my behaviour/plans Page 5 of 9 by authorities (Table 3). Asian-born respondents again had the highest rates (70.6%, 531/752, X2 = 45.73, p < 0.001). Willingness to receive the pandemic vaccine (despite it being unavailable at the time of survey) was associated with seasonal influenza vaccination uptake over the previous 3 years, compared with those who had no vaccination history (99.1% v 85.7%, X2 = 32.11, p < 0.001). The use of face masks in public was met with most resis- tance (16.8%, 484/2882), especially amongst respondents aged 18-24 years (19.5%, 290/1487, p < 0.001). Intended behaviour at UNSW Just over half (51.1%, 1472/2882), were very willing to continue University schooling online however, academic staff were significantly more reluctant than students to deliver teaching by this method (OR, 0.56 [CI, 0.30- 0.97]; p = 0.02). 78.5% (2282/2882) of respondents would not come to university if they were experiencing influenza-like illness (ILI) (Table 4). Students were the most likely to attend University if unwell (75%, 1407/ 1876, p < 0.001) and were the only group where over half would present if they had an assessment or deadline due and were unwell (66.5%, 1248/1876). However respondents who had made a lifestyle change as a result of pandemic (H1N1) were significantly more likely to absent themselves even if an exam or deadline was due (X2 = 50.45, p < 0.001). Academic Staff n = 360 (%) General Students Total Staff n = 646 (%) n = 1876 (%) n = 2882 (%) 102 (28.3) 258 (71.7) 156 (24.1) 490 (75.9) 436 (23.2) 1440 (76.8) 694 (24.1) 2188 (75.9) 12 (3.3) 31 (8.6) 22 (6.1) 13 (3.6) 76 (21.1) 59 (16.4) 1 (0.3) 2 (0.6) 20 (5.6) 20 (3.1) 67 (10.4) 26 (4.0) 25 (3.9) 132 (20.4) 102 (15.8) 3 (0.5) 1 (0.2) 23 (3.6) 100 (5.3) 261 (13.9) 170 (9.1) 72 (3.8) 392 (20.9) 134 (7.1) 26 (1.4) 18 (1.0) 74 (3.9) 132 (4.6) 359 (12.5) 218 (7.6) 110 (3.8) 600 (20.8) 295 (10.2) 30 (1.0) 21 (0.7) 117 (4.1) 207 (57.5) 414 (64.1) 1160 (61.8) 1781 (61.8)