Preventive Behaviors and Knowledge of Tick-Borne Illnesses

作者：S Valente, Daniel Wemple, Sebastian Z. Ramos, Suzanne B. Cashman, Judith A. Savageau · 发表于：Journal of Public Health Management and Practice · 年份：2014 · DOI：10.1097/phh.0000000000000098 · 被引用次数：62 · 研究领域：Vector-borne infectious diseases、Mosquito-borne diseases and control、Parasites and Host Interactions

CONTEXT: Lyme disease (LD) is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States. With physically and economically burdensome effects, it is a concern of public health officials. OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge and preventive behaviors of individuals in the endemic area of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, to better understand how sociodemographic data and knowledge correlate with preventive behaviors, and to update previous island studies. DESIGN: A 30-item paper-based anonymous survey in either English or Portuguese based on language preference. SETTING: The island of Martha's Vineyard and the ferry between island and mainland. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 946 participants were recruited at 1 of 4 island locations. The majority of participants were traveling by ferry to and from Martha's Vineyard. To reach 2 populations potentially at high risk, that is, youths and outdoor workers, 3 additional venues included the island high school, an English-as-a-Second-Language class, and a local Brazilian church. OUTCOME MEASURES: Four specific preventive behaviors as well as an overall composite prevention score. RESULTS: Participants' knowledge of tick-borne illnesses was poor, and the frequency of practicing preventive behaviors was low; the most commonly reported behavior was checking one's skin for ticks (45%). Approximately one-third of respondents (37%) stated that they did not know the late symptoms of untreated LD, nor did they know early LD treatment options (49...