Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavioral Intentions toward Those with Lyme Disease
Abstract
Three hundred sixty-two undergraduates attending college in Michigan or West Virginia responded to a survey measuring their knowledge about Lyme disease, and their attitudes and behavioral intentions toward those with Lyme. Women, those who knew something about Lyme disease, and those who knew someone with Lyme disease showed the most knowledge, most favorable attitudes, and most positive behavioral intent. Those from a college in an area with a greater risk for contracting Lyme disease had greater knowledge than those from colleges in a lower-risk area. Knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intent scores all correlated significantly. These results add to research into the socio-psychological impact of the disease, especially in its chronic manifestation. Greater focus on the gender manifestations of responses to Lyme disease, and on the differences between the responses of the medical community and the general public is suggested.