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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Kathy Steinert, MPH, CHES1, Lynn M. Waishwell, PhD, CHES1, Alan Balsam, PhD, MPH2, and Lynne Karsten, MPH3. (1) School of Public Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 45 Magnolia Street, Arlington, MA 02474, 781-316-8242, kathy@kathysteinert.com, (2) Brookline Department of Public Health, 11 Pierce Street, Brookline, MA 02445, (3) Community Health, Brookline Department of Public Health, 11 Pierce Street, Brookline, MA 02445
Since it was detected in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) appears to be permanently established in the United States. Brookline was the epicenter of WNV activity when it appeared in Massachusetts in 2000. A random mail survey of Brookline residents was implemented to (1) evaluate and suggest improvements to Brookline’s WNV health education campaign, (2) provide baseline data on WNV knowledge, attitudes and behaviors and (3) assess the communication needs with respect to WNV. Also, the relationship between key Health Belief Model (HBM) dimensions and prevention practices was assessed. We received 162 responses (59.3%). Respondents were very knowledgeable about prevention behaviors. However, knowledge was not an important predictor of behavior. Almost all respondents (99.4%) engaged in at least one protective measure and they were more likely to engage in personal protection versus source reduction behaviors. Perceived susceptibility appeared to be the most powerful HBM dimension in terms of predicting behavior. Concern about getting WNV was associated with practicing three protection measures. A majority of respondents did not agree that eliminating standing water from around their property was an effective means of preventing WNV. The most common and most useful sources of information about WNV were mass media channels – television and newspapers. Public health professionals should coordinate closely with the local print, television and radio media when developing and implementing communication strategies. Health education messages should address the importance and effectiveness of source reduction measures. Messages addressing prevention behaviors should be periodically communicated during mosquito breeding season as “cues to action”.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to
Keywords: West Nile Encephalitis, Public Health Education and Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.