Risk Factors for Bed Bugs Among Urban Emergency Department Patients

AbstractBed bugs are a significant and under-studied public health nuisance. We surveyed 706 emergency department patients and found bed bug infestations were more likely (p  <  0.05) among subjects having persons 19–64 years of age in the house, living in a group home, a previous history with bed bugs, and knowing someone who currently has bed bugs. Sleeping in a hotel, recent homelessness, obtaining used clothing or furniture and using a laundromat were not associat ed with increased risk (p >  0.05) for infestation. Individuals with less education and income were more likely (p <  0.05) to have bed bugs and express concern about getting bed bugs. Younger persons were more likely to correctly identify a picture of a bed bug compared to those over the age of 60 years (p <  0.001).
Source: Journal of Community Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research