Tick Borne Disease Knowledge and Behaviors Among Agriculture Workers in Virginia
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
21
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-5-2023 1:30 PM
College
College of Health Sciences
Department
Public Health
Abstract
Background: Agriculture workers and farmers are one of the highest risk occupational groups for contracting a tick-borne disease. However, knowledge of tick-borne diseases and use of prevention behaviors among this population is not well known.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed by word of mouth and social media in fall 2020. The survey was designed using Health Belief Model constructs and included questions related to perceived severity and threat of risks associated with their occupation and their level of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and prevention behaviors.
Results: Fifteen persons identifying as being employed in agriculture in Virginia participated in the survey. All 15 participants reported being bitten by a tick and two-thirds (66.7%) said they were afraid of contracting a tick borne disease. Of the four that reported being diagnosed with a tick-borne disease, 3 were bitten while working. All respondents were able to successfully identify a tick and the majority rated themselves as having an average level of knowledge. Participation in prevention behaviors was mixed. A website with resources and printed materials were the preferred ways to learn more.
Conclusion: Tick borne diseases are a concern among the agricultural community in Virginia. Information on different types of tick-borne diseases and prevention behaviors through a website or printed material could help prevent tick-borne diseases in this high-risk population group.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jennifer Hall
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Tick Borne Disease Knowledge and Behaviors Among Agriculture Workers in Virginia
Turner Gymnasium
Background: Agriculture workers and farmers are one of the highest risk occupational groups for contracting a tick-borne disease. However, knowledge of tick-borne diseases and use of prevention behaviors among this population is not well known.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed by word of mouth and social media in fall 2020. The survey was designed using Health Belief Model constructs and included questions related to perceived severity and threat of risks associated with their occupation and their level of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and prevention behaviors.
Results: Fifteen persons identifying as being employed in agriculture in Virginia participated in the survey. All 15 participants reported being bitten by a tick and two-thirds (66.7%) said they were afraid of contracting a tick borne disease. Of the four that reported being diagnosed with a tick-borne disease, 3 were bitten while working. All respondents were able to successfully identify a tick and the majority rated themselves as having an average level of knowledge. Participation in prevention behaviors was mixed. A website with resources and printed materials were the preferred ways to learn more.
Conclusion: Tick borne diseases are a concern among the agricultural community in Virginia. Information on different types of tick-borne diseases and prevention behaviors through a website or printed material could help prevent tick-borne diseases in this high-risk population group.