No 'buzz' for mosquito-borne diseases across Hong Kong
20 August 2003
HONG KONG — A survey released today by global market research firm Synovate, showed that 71 per cent of people in Hong Kong are aware of Dengue Fever but only 37 per cent of the population is taking any precautionary measures against the disease.
Jill Telford, Managing Director of Synovate Hong Kong, said the July 2003 study looked at awareness of and behaviour changes as a result of mosquito-borne diseases.
"The results demonstrate a real 'it won't happen to me' approach to this category of disease with only 17 per cent of the population reporting concern about Dengue Fever-and even fewer people are concerned about Japanese Encephalitis and Malaria.
It seems the Government is doing quite a good job in terms of raising awareness-particularly with their Dengue Fever campaign-but people just don't seem to be feeling a "buzz" about mosquitoes! They are not converting their awareness into action.
"This is one of the real challenges that face organisations wanting to change the long-term habits of entire cities of people. People seem to need to see a real threat-as they did with SARS—before they change behaviour," Ms Telford said.
The study found that 63 per cent of Hong Kong's population is not taking any precautionary measures against mosquito-borne diseases.
Of the 37 per cent of the population that is taking precautions, 42 per cent have purchased or use an insect repellent spray or cream, 34 per cent have purchased or use household repellent products like plug-in repellent, mosquito zappers or burners and 11 per cent use a fan.
Other findings included:
- When asked if they could name a mosquito-borne disease without prompting, 71 per cent of respondents could name Dengue Fever, 19 per cent could name Malaria, 14 per cent could name Japanese Encephalitis and 23 per cent could not name a disease.
- Overall, Hong Kong women are more likely to be aware of the symptoms of these diseases than the men, with 80 per cent of women identifying that a major symptom of Dengue Fever is high fever versus 74 per cent of men and 53 per cent of woman able to identify fever as a symptom of Japanese Encephalitis versus 45 per cent of men.
- Some people have chosen to avoid certain outdoor activities as a result of these diseases with 21 per cent reporting they avoid travelling overseas, 13 per cent avoiding the countryside, eight per cent avoiding gardening and eight per cent avoiding water sports.
- More than half the population thinks that the prevention measures and promotion activities carried out by the Government to prevent mosquito-borne diseases are sufficient.
Around 1,000 respondents between the ages of 15 and 64 were asked about mosquito-borne diseases via Synovate's monthly AsiaBUS telephone survey. The study was conducted in July 2003 and the data was weighted to reflect the Hong Kong domestic population.
Contact(s) for this press release
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Linda Collard
Director, Marketing Communications |
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9/F Leighton Centre |
Telephone: +852 2830 2588 |
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Henrietta Sung
Marketing Manager |
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Telephone: +1 416 964 6262 ext. 165 |
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Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc, generates consumer insights that drive competitive marketing solutions. The network provides clients with cohesive global support and a comprehensive suite of research solutions. Synovate employs over 6,000 staff across 62 countries.
For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com.