Details:

Alternative Title:
Biosecur Bioterror
Personal Author:
SteelFisher, Gillian K. ; Blendon, Robert J. ; Brulé, Amanda S. ; Ben-Porath, Eran N. ; Ross, Laura J. ; ... More +
SteelFisher, Gillian K. ; Blendon, Robert J. ; Brulé, Amanda S. ; Ben-Porath, Eran N. ; Ross, Laura J. ; Atkins, Bret M. Less -
Description:
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.
Subject:
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Adult
African Americans
Anthrax
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Bacillus Anthracis
Biohazard Release
Bioterrorism
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Hispanic Americans
Humans
Inhalation Exposure
Patient Acceptance Of Health Care
Public Opinion
Trust
Whites

Source:
Biosecur Bioterror. 10(4):401-411
Pubmed ID:
23244501
Pubmed Central ID:
PMC4751406
Document Type:
Journal Article
Funding:
CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States
Place as Subject:
United States
Collection(s):
CDC Public Access
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:2d3dc3ec9c0375b9fa7e5c9e5067fec9453c9b89c3ae8ae6a200de571da19683
File Type:

Supporting Files

• 	NIHMS756785-supplement-Appendix_A__Poll_Questions.pdf	pdf
  	nihms756785.nxml	xml

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