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

Abstract #119447

Helena J. Chapman, BS, MPH¹, Juan Rodriguez, BS², Rachel A. Chase, BS, MPH¹, Marvin Cohen, MA, RHEd, CHES², Janiece Davis, BS², Erin DeFries, BS², Zoe Finch, BS², Myrtha Barbara Forges, MD², Kate Roland, BA², James Stevens, BS², and Bienvenido A. Veras, MD³. (1) Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, University of Florida, 1329 SW 16th Street, PO Box 100177, Gainesville, FL 32610-0177, 352-336-6113, helena.chapman@med.va.gov, (2) College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, PO Box 100182, Gainesville, FL 32611, (3) Servicio de Epidemiología, Hospital José María Cabral y Báez, Carretera Luperón No. 28, Gurabo, Santiago, Dominican Republic

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne, bacterial infection common to Latin America and the Caribbean. The combination of low literacy levels and poor educational systems may result in a lack of effective health promotion and disease prevention to communities at risk of infection. With poor access to health care, many citizens may be exposed to the disease and not receive proper medical treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe knowledge of TB symptomology, disease spread and process of five rural international communities. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Convenience samples of citizens were selected across five sites in four countries: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti and Mexico. A structured, closed-ended 17-item survey was developed and translated to accommodate local language as a means to examine knowledge and perceptions of these citizens. Semi-structured interviews were completed with key informants to learn about community TB health programs Results: Basic descriptive statistics characterized variations in subjects per age, gender and education. Student impressions described clinic setting and targeted population. Demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, geographic location) reflected differences in knowledge and attitudes about TB. Preliminary content analysis suggested themes of need for sustained health education programs, improved understanding of TB disease and motivation for healthy living. Implications: Findings from this baseline assessment of participants will assist in future University of Florida international health outreach trips to develop targeted and tailored health and health behavioral programs and interventions that strive to reduce the incidence and negative impact of TB.

Learning Objectives: At the completion of the presentation, the participant will be able to

• Describe what citizens recognize to be associated symptoms of tuberculosis in five international communities.
• Describe how citizens perceive risk toward tuberculosis disease transmission in five international communities.
• Discuss community perspectives on public health campaigns to promote community health as they relate to tuberculosis in five international communities.

Keywords: International Public Health, Infectious Diseases

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.