Knowledge, perceptions and media use of the Dutch general public and healthcare workers regarding Ebola, 2014

Lianne G C Schol, Madelief Mollers, Corien M Swaan, Desirée J M A Beaujean, Albert Wong, Aura Timen

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Ebola outbreak in West-Africa triggered risk communication activities to promote adequate preventive behaviour in the Netherlands. Our study investigated the level of knowledge, perceptions, and media use regarding Ebola.

METHODS: In December 2014, an online questionnaire was administered to the Dutch population (n = 526) and Health Care Workers (HCW) (n = 760).

RESULTS: The mean knowledge score (range 0-15) of HCW (m = 13.3;SD = 1.4) was significantly higher than the general public (m = 10.8;SD = 2.0). No significant difference was found in perceived severity and susceptibility. Perceived fear of the general public (m = 2.5; SD = 0.8) was significantly higher than among HCW (m = 2.4; SD = 0.7). Respondents primarily used television to obtain information.

CONCLUSIONS: While Ebola was perceived severe, it did not lead to excessive fear or perceived susceptibility for developing the disease. Nonetheless, our research showed that knowledge with respect to human-to-human transmission is low, while this is crucial to complying with preventive measures. Our study reveals priorities for improving risk communication.

Original languageEnglish
Article number18
Pages (from-to)18
JournalBMC Infectious Diseases
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Jan 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Personnel/psychology
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/pathology
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Mass Media
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Perception
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

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