TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2004//
TI  - Public perceptions and risk communications for botulism
JO  - Biosecurity and bioterrorism
A1  - Glik, Deborah
A1  - Harrison, Kim
A1  - Davoudi, Mehrnaz
A1  - Riopelle, Deborah D.
SP  - 216
EP  - 223
VL  - 2
IS  - 3
N2  - Formative research findings from 10 focus group interviews on botulism are described. Data were collected from a diverse sample of people throughout the United States in 2003, as part of a collaborative multisite initiative sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve communications materials on bioterrorism agents. Focus group guides included questions on knowledge, action, emotions, and information seeking in response to a series of scenarios on a hypothetical terrorist attack using botulinum toxin. Data were collected, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using content domains based on risk and health communications theories. Initial participant responses to scenarios were emotional, changing into immediate health and survival concerns conceptualized as information specific to the agent and event. Knowledge about botulism was low, and participants wanted clear, concise, and actionable messages. Broadcast media, the internet, and community-based sources were cited as sources of information. Findings have implications for botulism preparedness messages and for general public risk communications.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1538-7135
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -