Public compliance with mass prophylaxis guidance.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Emergency Preparedness
• Health Communication

Background:

• Mass antibiotic distribution is crucial for public health emergencies, such as an aerosolized anthrax attack.
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) sought to improve existing emergency response plans.
• Understanding public perception is vital for ensuring adherence to health directives during crises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify improvements for public adherence to mass antibiotic distribution instructions.
• To explore public perceptions of emergency response and dispensing strategies.
• To determine information needs before and during a public health emergency.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 8 focus groups with 7-10 participants each.
• Discussed public health emergency perceptions, point-of-dispensing (POD) strategies, and medication pickup willingness.
• Gathered insights on necessary information and trusted communication channels.

Main Results:

• Most participants expressed willingness to follow official instructions during emergencies.
• Participants desired pre-incident education on dispensing plans and diseases.
• Concerns included public anxiety and dispensing site security; NYC plans were deemed realistic.
• Trusted information sources included the mayor, health commissioner, and local news; diverse communication methods are essential.

Conclusions:

• Public cooperation is essential for successful emergency response and mass antibiotic distribution.
• Effective health communication strategies must address public concerns and utilize multiple information channels.
• Proactive public engagement and education are critical for enhancing adherence to emergency health directives.