Status of health skills relating to infectious diseases among residents six districts in Beijing

To assess the level of health skills relating to infectious diseases among residents in Beijing and develop more effective strategies for controlling infectious diseases. We conducted a multistage sampling, retrospective cross-sectional survey of residents aged 18 and above from 6 districts by self-administered and anonymous questionnaires in January 2011. The questionnaires consisted of health skills relating to infectious diseases. A total of 13 042 respondents completed the survey. The proportions of people with the skills for acquiring knowledge about infectious diseases, being able to read medicinal package insert, being able to read brochures with regard to basic knowledge about infectious diseases, being able to read laboratory test report and proper use of thermometer were 57.7%, 71.0%, 70.2%, 47.9% and 76.8% respectively. The levels of health skills were different among different populations (P<0.01). A low level of health skills was observed among the poorly-educated people and elders. Therefore measures such as health education and skills training about infectious diseases should be taken to improve the health skills. Key words: Infectious diseases; Health knowledge, attitude, practice