142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Annual Meeting Recordings are now available for purchase

300392
Evaluating the adoption of behaviors protecting populations participating in outdoor physical activity from exposure to tick borne illnesses

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 : 10:30 AM - 10:42 AM

Gregory Owens, MPH , School of Health Sciences and Practice, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
Amy Ansehl, DNP, FNP-BC , Partnership for a Healthy Population, New York Medical College School of Health Sciences and Practice, Valhalla, NY
Padmini Murthy, MD, MPH , New York Medical College, New York Medical College, Valhalla
Lyme disease, caused by an infection of the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi is contracted through the bite of Ixodes ticks.  Initially identified in Lyme, CT, Lyme disease is currently the most common vector borne disease in the United States.  Equally important, it is endemic in Europe from southern Scandinavian countries into the northern Mediterranean, and in eastern Asia.  The purpose of this study is to determine if golfers in endemic areas are at increased risk of exposure to tick borne illness, and analyze the utilization of protective behaviors.  Evidence based procedures for sample collection and prevention were researched through a search of relevant literature.  Methods:  tick flagging was performed in areas of scrub where golfers were likely to come into contact with tick habitat.  A short survey was administered to assess the practice of behaviors protective to infection.   Results: Of those surveyed, 72% reported having found a tick on their person after golfing, 24% reported having been diagnosed with Lime disease in the past, 31% did not perform clothing checks for ticks after golfing, and 72% did not use repellant while golfing.  A prior diagnosis of Lyme disease was not associated with increased adoption of protective behaviors.  Recommendations: increased awareness and practice of protective behaviors such as using repellent, and preforming tick checks, and bathing after being exposed to tick habitats can prevent transmission of Lyme disease to humans.  Informational materials and repellent sales should be available in areas where there is increased risk of exposure to vectors.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Environmental health sciences
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health biology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe a minimum of 3 behavioral modifications to reduce exposure to tick borne disease. Identify a minimum of 3 activities placing participants at risk for exposure to tick borne disease. Identify 2 tools to assist healthcare providers, exercise participants, or recreational workers in determining if a particular area puts the population at increased exposure risk. Develop 3 targeted social media strategies to promote awareness on prevention behaviors globally.

Keyword(s): Vulnerable Populations, Risk Factors/Assesment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have a masters of public health in the field of environmental health science and a graduate certificate in industrial hygiene focusing on exposure and monitoring metrics of health hazards. Additionally I was the lead researcher on this study, which took place in partnership with preventive medicine at Keller Army Community Hospital.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.