Exploring the Impact of Knowledge and Social Environment on Influenza Prevention and Transmission in Midwestern United States High School Students
William L. Romine 1 * , Tanvi Banerjee 2, Lloyd H. Barrow 3, William R. Folk 4
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1 Missouri Valley College, Department of Math and Science, 500 E. College St., Marshall, MO 65340, UNITED STATES2 University of Missouri, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 329 Engineering Building West, Columbia, MO 65211, UNITED STATES3 University of Missouri, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 303 Townsend Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, UNITED STATES4 University of Missouri, Department of Biochemistry, 117 Schweitzer Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, UNITED STATES* Corresponding Author

Abstract

We used data from a convenience sample of 410 Midwestern United States students from six secondary schools to develop parsimonious models for explaining and predicting precautions and illness related to influenza. Scores for knowledge and perceptions were obtained using two-parameter Item Response Theory (IRT) models. Relationships between outcome variables and predictors were verified using Pearson and Spearman correlations, and nested [student within school] fixed effects multinomial logistic regression models were specified from these using Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC). Neural network models were then formulated as classifiers using 10-fold cross validation to predict precautions and illness. Perceived barriers against taking precautions lowered compliance with the CDC recommended preventative practices of vaccination, hand washing quality, and respiratory etiquette. Perceived complications from influenza illness improved social distancing. Knowledge of the influenza illness was a significant predictor for hand washing frequency and respiratory etiquette. Ethnicity and gender had varying effects on precautions and illness severity, as did school-level effects: enrollment size, proficiency on the state’s biology end-of-course examination, and use of free or reduced lunch. Neural networks were able to predict illness, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette with moderate success. Models presented may prove useful for future development of strategies aimed at mitigation of influenza in high school youths. As more data becomes available, health professionals and educators will have the opportunity to test and refine these models.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

European Journal of Health and Biology Education, Volume 1, Issue 1, July 2012, 75-115

https://doi.org/10.20897/lectito.201205

Publication date: 15 Jul 2012

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Article Downloads: 318

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