Skip to main content

Some NLM-NCBI services and products are experiencing heavy traffic, which may affect performance and availability. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. For assistance, please contact our Help Desk at info@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Epidemiology and Infection logoLink to Epidemiology and Infection
. 2004 Aug;132(4):727–736. doi: 10.1017/s0950268804002225

SARS preventive and risk behaviours of Hong Kong air travellers.

Joseph T F Lau 1, Xilin Yang 1, Hiyi Tsui 1, Ellie Pang 1, Jean H Kim 1
PMCID: PMC2870154  PMID: 15310175

Abstract

This study aims to investigate Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-related behaviours of travellers returning to Hong Kong by air. A total of 820 travellers returning to Hong Kong by air were interviewed about their SARS-related behaviours in April 2003. Three quarters of the respondents wore a mask most/all of the time on board, 15% did so in public places at the travel destination. Perceived susceptibility to SARS at the destination predicted mask-wearing in public places and avoidance of crowded places, and perceived efficacy was a predictor for mask-wearing during flight. Approximately 16% of the respondents stated that they would delay their medical consultation for flu-like symptoms until returning to Hong Kong. Nearly 18.2% stated that they would not wear a mask in public places at the destination if they had flu-like symptoms. Education programmes, special services and effective thermal screening are required to minimize the chance of the spread of SARS by air travellers.

Full Text

The Full Text of this article is available as a PDF (106.2 KB).


Articles from Epidemiology and Infection are provided here courtesy of Cambridge University Press

RESOURCES