The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54296

Terri Rebmann, MSN, CIC¹, Brooke Shadel, PhD, MPH², Ryan Newkirk, BA², Bruce W. Clements, MPH², and RG Evans, PhD, MPH¹. (1) Saint Louis University, School of Public Health, Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections, 3663 Lindell Ste 100, St. Louis, MO 63104, 314-977-8260, rebmannt@slu.edu, (2) Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections, Saint Louis University, School of Public Health, 3663 Lindell Blvd., Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63108-3342

Introduction: The threat of an US bioterrorism (BT) attack has escalated sharply following the events of September 11th and subsequent release of anthrax-laden letters. Methods: A national needs assessment was conducted in fall, 2000 (pre 9/11) and repeated in winter 2001 (post 9/11). A 35-question survey was mailed to public health professionals (PHP) in local and state health departments. PHP's risk perception of BT in the US and in their community, proportion with BT education, barriers to receipt of education, and preferences for delivery of education were measured. Results: Return rate was 34% (n=1215) pre 9/11; 37% (n=1143) post 9/11. Most PHP's, 82.2% pre 9/11 and 93.6% post 9/11, reported that they will seek BT education; primary barriers to education receipt were lack of training opportunities: 64.9% (n=37) and lack of dedicated training time: 21.1% (n=12). Preferred methods of education delivery: seminar/lecture at a professional meeting 44.7% (n=444), tabletop 41.7% (n=414), satellite teleconference 41% (n=407), and video 31.5% (n=313). Conclusions: Although almost all PHP's feel that a BT attack is likely to occur somewhere in the US during the next 5 years, the majority do not believe it will affect their community; this perception was not significantly affected by the events of fall, 2001. The main barriers to receipt of education are lack of opportunities and time; educational initiatives and support for such need to be available. PHP-targeted education needs to be further developed and delivered in PHP-preferred formats. Future education materials based on these findings should enhance PHP preparedness.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe public health professionals' risk perception related to a bioterrorism attack in their community and in the US.
• List public health professionals' preferred formats for bioterrorism education according to a national needs assessment survey.

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.