Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #102389

Delores C.S. James, PhD, Health Science Education, University of Florida, PO Box 118210, Room 5 FLG, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-392-0583, djames@hhp.ufl.edu and W. William Chen, PhD, Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, PO Box 118210, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Mosquito-borne diseases are major public health problems that can be prevented if effective measures can be taken to protect individuals from mosquito bites. Residents in Florida are at a greater risk for mosquito-borne diseases because of the weather, swamp, and other environmental conditions. Eighteen focus groups were conducted in 5 distinct geographic regions of Florida to identify the knowledge of mosquito-borne diseases and attitudes towards the preventive measures used to control the diseases, especially the use of repellents. Participants were recruited from churches, worksites, neighborhoods, and other community groups. Participants were residents of rural, urban, and suburban areas. Each participant was compensated for their time with a $20 gift card from Wal-Mart or Publix grocery store. Thematic analysis was used to search and identify the data for common trends, themes, and patterns threads throughout the data. All participants were aware that mosquitoes carry diseases. However, a large number of participants were not able to identify specific mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile Virus. Majority of participants did not use repellents, but would use it if needed. The smell, sticking feeling, and cost of repellents were the primary reasons identified for not using repellents. Participants who used repellents did not use it consistently. Most participants could not recommend DEET as the active ingredient to look for in repellent. Recommendations for public health education are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. To identify the knowledge of mosquito-borne diseases and attitudes towards the preventive measures used to control the diseases.
• 2. To understand the factors that motivate and deter repellent use.
• 3. To identify public health education strategies to educate residents about mosquito-borne infections.

Keywords: West Nile Encephalitis, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.