Understanding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Toward West Nile Virus Prevention: A Survey of High-Risk Adults in Maryland.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward West Nile virus (WNV) prevention among Maryland adults ≥60 years old who are at increased risk of severe WNV disease utilizing the health belief model.

METHODS:

Using a stratified random sample of households from zip codes with ≥2 human WNV cases, we conducted a telephone survey of 211 Maryland adults ≥60 years old between October and December 2012.

RESULTS:

Participants expressing worry about WNV were over thrice more likely to use insect repellent in the prior 90 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-8.95) and nearly thrice more likely to drain standing water around their homes than those not worried (aOR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.25-6.52). Respondents perceiving a benefit in paying less for WNV vaccine were more likely to support mosquito control programs (aOR = 16.00, 95% CI = 1.50-170.68).

CONCLUSIONS:

Future interventions to promote WNV prevention among older adults should seek to enhance perceptions of vulnerability to WNV through risk communication, including media outreach and written messaging, emphasizing the benefits of personal protective behaviors. Community partnerships may aid in outreach to this population.