Impact of COVID-19 lived experiences on future influenza pandemic worry: a cross-sectional survey in China

Against the backdrop of repeated warnings regarding the inevitability of future influenza pandemics and the critical importance of public preparedness, the aim of this study was to explore public worry about a future influenza pandemic and its influencing factors in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID−19) era, particularly focusing on the role of lived experiences during the COVID−19 pandemic. An online cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2024. Overall, 1254 valid samples were finally included. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical logistic regression were performed to examine the associations between potential influencing factors and public worry about a future influenza pandemic. Approximately 48.49% of the participants reported being worried about a future influenza pandemic. The final model of hierarchical logistic regression revealed that sex, educational level, having one or more children in the family, lived experiences (repeated infections, long-COVID, medical resource shortages), and risk perceptions (perceived likelihood and severity) were associated with worry about a future influenza pandemic. This study reveals that lived experiences during the COVID−19 pandemic are associated with increased worry about a future influenza pandemic by the public. The factors identified can be used to guide the development of evidence-based risk communication and preparedness strategies to foster public participation. Crucial baseline data were also provided from a specific period to monitor changes in public perceptions of influenza pandemic threats over time.