Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Education and Prevention at Sweet Briar College, Virginia
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Open Access
Event Website
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFebK_eTtk/NjpZ9LorxKjGa-KVb3tCiw/view?utm_content=DAFebK_eTtk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Entry Number
23
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, tick prevention, tick safety, college students and employees.
Abstract
Background: Knowledge and awareness of ticks and tick-borne diseases among the public are generally low. Sweet Briar College (SBC) is located in Central Virginia. Because of its location, students, employees, and visitors may encounter ticks on campus. As ticks and TBDs continue to increase in Virginia, it is essential to understand the different levels of knowledge, beliefs, prevention behaviors, and barriers that they have.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to SBC students and employees in the Fall of 2022 through email, social media, and word of mouth. The survey was designed using Health Belief Model constructs, accounting for perceived severity, knowledge, and prevention behaviors.
Results: A total of 26 participated in the survey. One in three (34.6%, 9/26) reported finding a tick on their body while on campus in the past year. Over half (61.5%) stated they are afraid of contracting a TBD. Four participants were diagnosed with at least one TBD (2-AGS, 1 Lyme disease, 1 RMSF, and 1 Tularemia). A majority reported knowing nothing about the main TBDs in Virginia and 1 in 5 weren’t able to correctly identify a tick. A third of the participants didn’t know safe and effective ways to remove a tick. Nearly 2/3rds would be interested in receiving more information about TBDs by email (80%, 16/20), a website (55%, 11/20), social media (45%, 9/20), printed material (30%, 6/20), or in person presentation (15%, 3/20).
Conclusion: Sweet Briar College’s population may come into contact with ticks and tick-borne diseases on the main campus or trails or wooded areas. They may also lack the knowledge to identify and prevent a tick bite properly, both needed to prevent a tickborne disease. A campaign to educate students and employees about their risk and prevention behaviors is recommended to prevent TBDs.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jennifer Hall
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Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Education and Prevention at Sweet Briar College, Virginia
Turner Gymnasium
Background: Knowledge and awareness of ticks and tick-borne diseases among the public are generally low. Sweet Briar College (SBC) is located in Central Virginia. Because of its location, students, employees, and visitors may encounter ticks on campus. As ticks and TBDs continue to increase in Virginia, it is essential to understand the different levels of knowledge, beliefs, prevention behaviors, and barriers that they have.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to SBC students and employees in the Fall of 2022 through email, social media, and word of mouth. The survey was designed using Health Belief Model constructs, accounting for perceived severity, knowledge, and prevention behaviors.
Results: A total of 26 participated in the survey. One in three (34.6%, 9/26) reported finding a tick on their body while on campus in the past year. Over half (61.5%) stated they are afraid of contracting a TBD. Four participants were diagnosed with at least one TBD (2-AGS, 1 Lyme disease, 1 RMSF, and 1 Tularemia). A majority reported knowing nothing about the main TBDs in Virginia and 1 in 5 weren’t able to correctly identify a tick. A third of the participants didn’t know safe and effective ways to remove a tick. Nearly 2/3rds would be interested in receiving more information about TBDs by email (80%, 16/20), a website (55%, 11/20), social media (45%, 9/20), printed material (30%, 6/20), or in person presentation (15%, 3/20).
Conclusion: Sweet Briar College’s population may come into contact with ticks and tick-borne diseases on the main campus or trails or wooded areas. They may also lack the knowledge to identify and prevent a tick bite properly, both needed to prevent a tickborne disease. A campaign to educate students and employees about their risk and prevention behaviors is recommended to prevent TBDs.
https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/studentshowcase/2023/posters/21