Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding tick-borne diseases among an at-risk population living in Niigata prefecture, Japan.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of an at-risk population living in Niigata prefecture regarding tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and preventive strategies.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess the KAP of the community.

RESULTS:

In total, 186 responses were received. Among the respondents, 130 (69·9%) were men, and the mean age was 51.1 (14·3). Nine (4·8%) respondents reported having experienced tick bites. Of the respondents, 44 (23.7%) knew about both scrub typhus and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, while 156 (83·9%) and 71 (38·2%) recognized limiting skin exposure and use of insect repellents as preventive measures, respectively. The attitudes towards TBDs: being worried about tick bites (p = 0·018) and interested in preventing TBDs (p = 0·001), were significantly higher among women than men. About 75% of the respondents reported taking preventive measures against tick bites, and limiting skin exposure was the most frequently applied method (69·9%). Insect repellents were used by 58 (31·2%) respondents. Age (p = 0·049), being worried about tick bites (p = 0·046), and knowledge of ticks score (p = 0·024) were the significant independent predictors of practicing countermeasures.

CONCLUSION:

We identified gaps in knowledge and practices regarding TBDs. Public health interventions should be implemented to improve public awareness of TBDs.

• Authors: Taichi Narita, Hansani Madushika Abeywickrama, Marcello Otake Sato, Kozo Watanabe, Reiko Arai, Tsutomu Tamura, Megumi Sato
• Journal: PloS one (PLoS One) Vol. 17 Issue 6 Pg. e0270411 ( 2022) ISSN: 1932-6203 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 35771843 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Insect Repellents

Topics

• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Humans
• Insect Repellents
• Japan (epidemiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Tick Bites (epidemiology)
• Tick-Borne Diseases (epidemiology, prevention & control)