Susceptibility, likelihood to be diagnosed, worry and fear for contracting Lyme disease

• Main Authors: Joshua Fogel, Gurasees S. Chawla
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2017-01-01
• Series: Journal of Infection and Public Health
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876034116300107

Summary: Risk perception and psychological concerns are relevant for understanding how people view Lyme disease. This study investigates the four separate outcomes of susceptibility, likelihood to be diagnosed, worry, and fear for contracting Lyme disease. University students (n = 713) were surveyed about demographics, perceived health, Lyme disease knowledge, Lyme disease preventive behaviors, Lyme disease history, and Lyme disease miscellaneous variables. We found that women were associated with increased susceptibility and fear. Asian/Asian-American race/ethnicity was associated with increased worry and fear. Perceived good health was associated with increased likelihood to be diagnosed, worry, and fear. Correct knowledge was associated with increased susceptibility and likelihood to be diagnosed. Those who typically spend a lot of time outdoors were associated with increased susceptibility, likelihood to be diagnosed, worry, and fear. In conclusion, healthcare providers and public health campaigns should address susceptibility, likelihood to be diagnosed, worry, and fear about Lyme disease, and should particularly target women and Asians/Asian-Americans to address any possible misconceptions and/or offer effective coping strategies. Keywords: Lyme disease, Risk, Disease susceptibility, Fear