Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases, Finland

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis (LB) are significant endemic threats in Finland.
• Understanding public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the KAP of individuals in high-risk areas regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases.
• To identify specific knowledge deficits and misbeliefs concerning TBE and LB prevention and symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional field survey was conducted in Parainen and Kotka, Finland, in July 2016.
• An anonymous questionnaire with 39 questions assessed KAP related to ticks and tick-borne diseases.
• Data were analyzed using ordered logistic regression, focusing on vaccination status and preventive behaviors.

Main Results:

• Only 40% of respondents were vaccinated against TBE. Significant misbeliefs were identified regarding TBE symptoms (rash) and the efficacy of antibiotics and repellents.
• While TBE vaccination was recognized as protective against TBE, its protection against LB and ticks was misunderstood.
• Prompt tick removal was common (97%), but repellent use was low (21%).

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps in public knowledge and prevalent misbeliefs regarding tick-borne diseases and prevention exist in Finland.
• The study highlights the need for targeted public health communication to improve awareness and adherence to preventive measures.
• KAP surveys are valuable tools for assessing public understanding and informing intervention strategies for tick-borne diseases.