RESUMEN
Systematic studies of mental health effects of bioterrorism on exposed populations have not been carried out. Exploratory focus groups were conducted with an exposed population to provide qualitative data and inform empirical research. Five focus groups of 28 political worker volunteers were conducted 3 months after the October 15, 2001, anthrax attack on Capitol Hill. More than 2000 transcribed focus group passages were categorized using qualitative software. The category with the most items was authorities' response (23% passages), and much of this discussion pertained to communication by authorities. The category with the fewest items was symptoms (4%). Identified issues were less within individuals and more between them and authorities. Risk communication by authorities regarding safety and medical issues was a prominent concern among Capitol Hill office staff workers regarding the anthrax incident on Capitol Hill. This suggests focus on risk communication in developing interventions, but more systematic investigation is needed.
Asunto(s)
Bioterrorismo/psicología , Gobierno Federal , Grupos Focales , Carbunco/epidemiología , Carbunco/psicología , Actitud , Comunicación , Planificación en Desastres/organización & administración , Planificación en Desastres/normas , District of Columbia/epidemiología , Acontecimientos que Cambian la Vida , Exposición Profesional , Ocupaciones/estadística & datos numéricos , Gestión de Riesgos , Seguridad , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/diagnóstico , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/psicologíaRESUMEN
Little systematic information is available on mental health issues related to bioterrorism. Five focus groups were conducted with Capitol Hill office staff (n = 28 total participants) to learn about their experience of the anthrax incident on October 15, 2001. More than 2,000 verbal passages were coded into categories and themes by using qualitative analysis software. Issues emerging from the discussions included difficulties utilizing customary social supports, concerns over potential long-term dangers created by efforts to eradicate the anthrax, and nonadherence to antianthrax medication regimens. Nonadherence to antibiotic prophylaxis is of immediate concern for response to future bioterrorist events as well as infectious disease epidemics. Other topics that warrant attention are social support and mental health interventions.