Public response to an anthrax attack: a multiethnic perspective.
Biosecur Bioterror
; 10(4): 401-11, 2012 Dec.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23244501
ABSTRACT
The 2001 anthrax attacks emphasized the need to develop outreach that would more effectively support racial/ethnic minority populations during a bioterrorism incident. Given the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis in a future anthrax attack, it should be a priority to better support racial/ethnic minorities in mass dispensing programs. To examine the needs and perspectives of racial/ethnic minorities, this study used a nationally representative poll of 1,852 adults, including 1,240 whites, 261 African Americans, and 282 Hispanics. The poll examined public reactions to a ''worst-case scenario'' in which cases of inhalation anthrax are discovered without an identified source and the entire population of a city or town is asked to receive antibiotic prophylaxis within 48 hours. Findings suggest willingness across all racial/ethnic groups to comply with recommendations to seek prophylaxis at dispensing sites. However, findings also indicate possible barriers for racial/ethnic minorities, including greater concern about pill safety and multiple attacks as well as lesser knowledge about inhalation anthrax. Across all racial/ethnic groups, roughly half would prefer to receive antibiotics at mass dispensing sites rather than through the US Postal Service. People in racial/ethnic minority groups were more likely to say this preference stems from a desire to speak with staff or to exchange medication formulation or type. Findings suggest the need for tailored outreach to racial/ethnic minorities through, for example, emphasis on key messages and enhanced understandability in communications, increased staff for answering questions in relevant dispensing sites, and long-term trust building with racial/ethnic minority communities.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Aceptación de la Atención de Salud
/
Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud
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Profilaxis Antibiótica
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Bioterrorismo
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Carbunco
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Año:
2012
Tipo del documento:
Article