17th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Knowledge and perceptions of bioterrorism threat among rural, Northeast Missouri residents
Christina M. Degenhardt
Dr. Carol Cox, Faculty Mentor
As Missouri was the first state to create a state Office of Homeland Security, a telephone survey was conducted with a random sample of rural, Northeast Missouri residents to assess their knowledge and perceptions of bioterrorism threat. Most respondents could not correctly define bioterrorism, did not really know where to get medical attention if exposed to agents, and did not understand modes of transmission of the agents. Also, if respondents witnessed an act of bioterrorism, some would do absolutely nothing. Although they felt prepared for an attack, the vast majority of respondents took no specific steps to prepare for such an attack. In addition, most perceived bioterrorism as a serious threat and felt their county’s emergency services were unprepared. More citizen education on bioterrorism preparedness steps to take, reporting acts, and the preparedness status of local emergency services, through the mass media, is recommended for this county.
Keywords: bioterrorism, Northeast Missouri, Homeland Secruity
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 31-1
Location: VH 1408
Time: 2:15