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 language | English |
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Article number | 18 |
Pages (from-to) | 18 |
Journal | BMC Infectious Diseases |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 8 Jan 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
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