Smallpox-Related Knowledge and Beliefs among Recent College Graduates

Autor/inn/en	Bungum, Timothy; Day, Charlene
Titel	Smallpox-Related Knowledge and Beliefs among Recent College Graduates
Quelle	In: Journal of American College Health, 55 (2006) 3, S.181-183 (3 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0744-8481
Schlagwörter	College Graduates; Public Health; Prevention; Diseases; Terrorism; Knowledge Level; Questionnaires; Immunization Programs; Attitude Measures; Emergency Programs; World Problems; Public Opinion; United States + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Hochschulabsolvent; Hochschulabsolventin; Gesundheitswesen; Prävention; Vorbeugung; Disease; Krankheit; Terrorismus; Wissensbasis; Fragebogen; Immunisierung; Hilfsprogramm; Weltproblem; Öffentliche Meinung; USA
Abstract	Recent world events have increased concern and preparations for possible bioterror events. Despite worldwide efforts to limit access to bio-weapons, smallpox is still considered a potential bioterror threat. Americans' understanding of smallpox could prevent panic and enhance the willingness of citizens to receive vaccinations. Objective: The authors' purpose in this study was to describe graduating college students' levels of smallpox-related knowledge. Method summary: Participants at a graduation ceremony--mostly female, with a mean age of 28.4 plus or minus 8.1 years--were handed a 35-item questionnaire that assessed smallpox knowledge and whether respondents would submit to vaccination under hypothetical circumstances. Results: The convenience sample was ignorant of numerous facts about smallpox and unaware of government efforts to prepare for an attack, answering an average of 3.8 out of 10 items correctly. Conclusion: These findings raise concern because, in a smallpox event, prompt responses to directives of public health officials will be necessary to maximize the effectiveness of response plans. (Author).
Anmerkungen	Heldref Publications. 1319 Eighteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-1802. Tel: 800-365-9753; Tel: 202-296-6267; Fax: 202-293-6130; e-mail: subscribe@heldref.org; Web site: http://www.heldref.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10