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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Tick-Borne Diseases within Professionally Tick-Exposed Persons, Health Care Workers, and General Population in Serbia: A Questionnaire-Based Study

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Vasić

    (Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Jovana Bjekić

    (Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Gorana Veinović

    (Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Darko Mihaljica

    (Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Ratko Sukara

    (Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Jasmina Poluga

    (Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobođenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
    Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Saša R. Filipović

    (Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Snežana Tomanović

    (Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) among different groups of people in Serbia. Professionally tick-exposed persons (PTEPs), health care workers (HCWs), and the general population (GP) were subjected to an anonymous, voluntary, online questionnaire using Microsoft Forms. A total of 663 questionnaire responses were collected (February–March 2021), while 642 were included in the analysis. The significant difference in knowledge in TBDs existed between GP and PTEPs, and HCWs ( p < 0.001). The perception of risk-to-tick exposure and TBDs was generally high (42.4 (95% CI: 33.6–51.2) within GP, 44.9 (95% CI: 35.8–53.9) within PTEPs and 46.2 (95% CI: 38.0–54.5) within HCWs), while fear was low (13.7 (95% CI: 7.9–19.5) within GP, 12.6 (95% CI: 7.3–19.9) within PTEPs, and 13.5 (95% CI: 7.4–19.5) within HCWs). Protective practices differed across groups (F (2639) = 12.920, p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.039), with both PTEPs (t = 3.621, Cohen d = 0.332, p < 0.001) and HCWs (t = 4.644, Cohen d = 0.468, p < 0.001) adhering to more protective practices than the GP, without differences between PTEPs and HCWs (t = 1.256, Cohen d = 0.137, p = 0.421). Further education about TBDs in Serbia is required and critical points were identified in this study.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Vasić & Jovana Bjekić & Gorana Veinović & Darko Mihaljica & Ratko Sukara & Jasmina Poluga & Saša R. Filipović & Snežana Tomanović, 2022. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Tick-Borne Diseases within Professionally Tick-Exposed Persons, Health Care Workers, and General Population in Serbia: A Questi," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:867-:d:723840
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Herrington Jr., J.E. & Campbell, G.L. & Bailey, R.E. & Cortter, M.L. & Adams, M. & Frazier, E.L. & Damrow, T.A. & Gensheimer, K.F., 1997. "Predisposing factors for individuals' Lyme disease prevention practices: Connecticut, Maine, and Montana," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 87(12), pages 2035-2038.
    2. Mawby, Tracey V. & Lovett, Andrew A., 1998. "The public health risks of Lyme disease in Breckland, U.K.: an investigation of environmental and social factors," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 46(6), pages 719-727, March.
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