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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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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: In late 1999, an outbreak of West Nile viral encephalitis (WNV) was recognized in New York City and contiguous counties. Over 50 persons were hospitalized and six died from WNV. A vector of WNV transmission is the common house mosquito Culex pipiens. Aside from anecdotal and indirect evidence, little empirical evidence exists regarding what the American public knows, believes, or does about mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Objectives: To examine the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding prevention of mosquito-bites and arboviral encephalitis. 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 northeastern states (NE). Results: Over 75% of respondents had seen mosquitoes the previous summer and 68% did anything to avoid bites. 80% reported using insect repellent, 42% stayed indoors late afternoon/early evening, and 42% wore long sleeves/long pants. About one-third believed that insect repellent was very effective. Being somewhat to very concerned about being bitten was strongly associated with taking preventive measures (OR=5.3; 95%CI=4.0,7.1). Prior to the WNV outbreak, NE respondents stated their likelihood of ever getting encephalitis was < 50 on a 100 point scale (mean=23; SD=20.7). Logistic regression revealed believing encephalitis was somewhat to extremely serious illness, being somewhat to very concerned about being bitten, believing insect repellent and staying indoors during late afternoon and evening were somewhat to very effective, and pet ownership were predictive of taking specific measures to prevent mosquito bites (p<0.05).
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: West Nile Encephalitis, Behavioral Research
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.