 |
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
|
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
James E. Herrington, MPH, CHES, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, c/o 1301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, 202-778-3529, jherrington@unfoundation.org
Background: Lyme disease (LD) is caused by the tickborne bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and accounts for more than 90% of all reported cases of vector-borne illness in the United States. Aside from anecdotal and indirect evidence, little empirical evidence exists regarding what the U.S. knows, believes, or does about preventing LD. Objectives: To examine the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and practices regarding prevention of tick bites and LD. Methods: Random-digit dial frame for a U.S. cross-sectional sample (n=1,500) from the 48 states plus the District of Columbia, and an over-sample (n=250) from 6 states with the highest incidence of Lyme disease. Results: 40% of respondents reported doing anything to avoid being bitten by ticks. Less than half (41%) used insect repellent. Respondents were evenly split on whether insect repellent could make an adult or child sick. Those who had heard about LD stated their likelihood of ever getting the disease was 50 or less on the 100 point scale (mean=29; SD=23.5). There was no significant difference regarding intention to buy LD vaccine at either two levels of cost ($50, $100) or effectiveness (50%, 75%). Being somewhat to very concerned about being bitten by ticks was strongly associated with taking preventive measures (OR=8.34; 95% CI=6.29, 11.06). Logistic regression analyses showed that having seen ticks, being concerned about being bitten, believing insect repellent is effective method, having heard about LD, and knowing someone who had LD are statistically significant factors that predict specific preventive measures to avoid tick-bites (p<0.01).
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Behavioral Research, Infectious Diseases
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.