When appraising a health threat, does the geographic origin of a disease matter? Do we think of diseases that originate in Africa or Asia differently than we think of diseases that originate in South America or Western Europe? This study investigates perceptions of two “new strains” of disease: mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and AIDS, the result of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Artificial newspaper stories are used to test differences in perceptions of disease deadliness and public health knowledge, feelings of inevitability and dread, and recommended public health measures across four geographic locations for the two diseases. Differences related to geographic origin may result in inconsistent and inappropriate public health actions and adoption of maladaptive individual level precautions. Recommendations for health policy makers and journalists are provided.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to: 1. Describe perceptual differences, as related to the geographic origin of a disease, in the following areas: · disease deadliness, · adequacy of public health knowledge, · feelings of dread, · feelings of inevitability (lack of ability to halt spread of the disease), and · the necessity of public health prevention measures (education, immigration restriction, funding, etc.) 2. Discuss policy implications related to differential perceptions related to the geographic origin of disease.
Keywords: Disease Prevention, Public Health Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.