Knowledge and Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases Among Lynchburg City School Staff
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
19
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-5-2023 1:30 PM
College
College of Health Sciences
Department
Public Health
Keywords
ticks, tick-borne diseases, prevention, education, Lynchburg City Schools, public health
Abstract
Background: Tick populations are increasing in Virginia and school-age children are at risk of getting a tick-borne disease. There is limited information and resources available for students, parents, and teachers in the Lynchburg City School community on tick bites and tick-borne disease prevention.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed using Health Belief Model constructs and administered electronically to Lynchburg City School employees in November 2022. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize survey results.
Results: A total of 79 Lynchburg City School staff and teachers participated in the survey. Eighty-three percent believed tick-borne diseases are a very or somewhat serious problem in Lynchburg City. Over 1 in 5 (18.2%, 14/77) knew of or had heard of a student being treated for a TBD in the past year and nearly 1 in 6 (16.5%, 13/79) had been diagnosed by a TBD (Alpha-gal Syndrome, Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever). Many reported unsafe and ineffective ways to properly remove a tick. Over half of the participants would put up flyers and 2 in 3 would find a website, emails and printed material helpful for receiving information.
Conclusion: The Lynchburg City School community would benefit from tailored educational materials on ticks and tick-borne diseases. Results from this study will be used to design resources for preventing tick-borne diseases in the Lynchburg City School community.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jennifer Hall
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Knowledge and Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases Among Lynchburg City School Staff
Turner Gymnasium
Background: Tick populations are increasing in Virginia and school-age children are at risk of getting a tick-borne disease. There is limited information and resources available for students, parents, and teachers in the Lynchburg City School community on tick bites and tick-borne disease prevention.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed using Health Belief Model constructs and administered electronically to Lynchburg City School employees in November 2022. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize survey results.
Results: A total of 79 Lynchburg City School staff and teachers participated in the survey. Eighty-three percent believed tick-borne diseases are a very or somewhat serious problem in Lynchburg City. Over 1 in 5 (18.2%, 14/77) knew of or had heard of a student being treated for a TBD in the past year and nearly 1 in 6 (16.5%, 13/79) had been diagnosed by a TBD (Alpha-gal Syndrome, Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever). Many reported unsafe and ineffective ways to properly remove a tick. Over half of the participants would put up flyers and 2 in 3 would find a website, emails and printed material helpful for receiving information.
Conclusion: The Lynchburg City School community would benefit from tailored educational materials on ticks and tick-borne diseases. Results from this study will be used to design resources for preventing tick-borne diseases in the Lynchburg City School community.