Knowledge and use of prevention measures for chikungunya virus among visitors - Virgin Islands National Park, 2015.
Travel Med Infect Dis
; 14(5): 475-480, 2016.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27597388
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
In June 2014, the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus (CHIKV) emerged in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), a location where tourists comprise the majority of the population during peak season (January-April). Limited information is available concerning visitors' CHIKV awareness and prevention measures.METHODS:
We surveyed a convenience sample of Virgin Islands National Park visitors aged ≥18 years. Respondents completed a questionnaire assessing CHIKV knowledge, attitudes, and practices; health information-seeking practices; and demographics.RESULTS:
Of 783 persons contacted, 443 (57%) completed the survey. Fewer than half (208/441 [47%]) were aware of CHIKV. During trip preparation, 28% of respondents (126/443) investigated USVI-specific health concerns. Compared with persons unaware of CHIKV, CHIKV-aware persons were more likely to apply insect repellent (134/207 [65%] versus 111/231 [48%]; p < 0.001), wear long-sleeves and long pants (84/203 [41%] versus 57/227 [25%]; p < 0.001), and wear insect repellent-treated clothing (36/204 [18%] versus 22/227 [10%]; p = 0.02).CONCLUSIONS:
The majority of visitors surveyed did not research destination-related health concerns and were unaware of CHIKV. However, CHIKV awareness was associated with using multiple prevention measures to reduce disease risk. These findings underscore the importance of providing tourists with disease education upon destination arrival.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Viaje
/
Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud
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Fiebre Chikungunya
/
Parques Recreativos
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Adult
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Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Male
País como asunto:
Caribe
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Caribe ingles
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Islas virgenes de los estados unidos
Idioma:
En
Año:
2016
Tipo del documento:
Article