Perceptions of Bioterror Threat Among Rural, Northeast Missouri Residents

Background  First anthrax attacks in Fall 2001  Bioterrorism is a very real threat to our nation.  US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  The purpose of this project is to describe not only Adair County Missouri residents’ knowledge of biological and chemical agents but also their perceptions of the magnitude of the threat of bioterrorism.

Impact  In a public health emergency, emergency preparedness and a timely response to the event is necessary to protect the citizenry.  Public health professionals and clinicians need to quickly:  Identify the causative agent  Respond  Limit exposure  Communicate the health threat  Treat the victims.  For the system to work, the public needs to understand the threat of exposure as well as notification and emergency procedures.

Methods  Random sample of 500 residents of Adair County, Missouri  20-Question Telephone survey.  The survey instrument, “Perceptions of the Threat of Bioterrorism”

Instrument  The questions will be in three sections:  Your Demographics  Your Knowledge of Chemical/Biological Agents  Your Perceptions of the Threat of Bioterrorism.  Phone calls will be made in the evening to have a greater chance at reaching people at home.

Data Analysis and Dissemination  Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.  Results will be:  Shared with the Adair County Health Department’s new bioterroism epidemiologist  Submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed, professional epidemiolgy journal  Submitted for presentation at a national public health conference as well as Truman State University’s Undergraduate Research Conference.