Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Tick-borne Disease Prevention in Endemic Areas

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Sara Niesobecki, AmberJean Hansen, Heather Rutz, Shaylee Mehta, Katherine Feldman, James Meek, Linda Niccolai, Sarah Hook, Alison HinckleyAbstractAs part of a TickNET collaboration we evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to tick-borne disease (TBD) prevention among persons living in endemic areas of Connecticut (CT) and Maryland (MD). Up-to-date information on the use of various prevention methods, as well as attitudes toward available and potential prevention options, is critical for effective promotion of recommended behaviors.During 2016-2017, printed invitations were mailed via the post office to 27,029 households requesting participation in an online survey regarding knowledge of TBD, risk perceptions, and prevention behaviors. Prevention behaviors included tick checks, showering/bathing, insect repellents, pet tick control, and chemical or natural pesticide use on residential properties. Associations of sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and attitude variables with prevention behaviors were assessed in unadjusted analyses and multivariable models to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Participants were also asked if they would be willing to get a Lyme disease (LD) vaccine, if one becomes available.Overall, 1883 (7%) persons completed the survey. Participants reported using preventive behaviors most of the time or always as follows: pet tick c...
Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases - Category: Zoology Source Type: research