The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70018

Rebecca T. Parkin, PhD, MPH¹, Lisa J. Ragain, MAT², Sarah Thorne³, and Gordon Butte³. (1) Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University, 2300 K Street, NW, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20037, 202-994-5482, eohrtp@gwumc.edu, (2) Env. and Occ. Health, George Washington University, 2300 K St., N.W. #201, Washington, DC 20037, (3) Decision Partners, LLC., 6210 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34243

In a series of investigations, we have developed new knowledge about the variations in drinking water-related perceptions and practices of people living in the Greater Washington, DC, region. Among a range of subpopulations with immune-compromised conditions, we have studied persons living with HIV disease. In 2002-2003, we used the mental models approach to identify expert and non-expert views of drinking water issues. We convened experts who provided water in the DC area; support services to HIV subpopulations; and persons who had lived with the disease for more than a decade. Following our facilitated session, we designed an expert model of influences on the judgments of drinking safety and the resulting decisions and practices people with HIV disease take regarding their own water use as a result of these judgments. We used the model to develop an interview protocol. We then conducted mental model interviews of volunteers who were living with HIV disease. From these interviews and the analysis of the results compared to the expert model, we have identified some major themes and key factors that provide insights into ways to improve risk communication with this sensitive subpopulation. How these results deepen knowledge and application value gained from our other research approaches will be described.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. State why drinking water is an important issue for persons living with HIV disease
• 2. Identify at least 3 major drinking water-related perceptions and practices of persons living with HIV disease
• 3. Explain the priority interests that need to be addressed to improve water-related risk communication with this vulnerable subpopulation

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.