Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Aimee E. Ferraro

Abstract

AbstractZika virus is an infectious disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito that has been linked to increased rates of microcephaly and other devastating birth defects. The existing body of knowledge has focused on the individual-level factors that influence a person’s decisions about prevention activities and risk perceptions related to Zika virus. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between state-level plans for prevention and education and individual-level risk perceptions. Rosenstock’s health belief model lays a foundation for why individuals make the health decisions they do and helps explain how these can be influenced for better health outcomes. The research questions addressed included understanding the relationship between public health departments’ level of engagement for prevention of Zika virus infection and the community’s perception of risk of contracting the virus; and the relationship between public health departments’ level of engagement for education of Zika virus infection and the community’s perception of risk of contracting the virus. A quantitative analysis of two datasets was performed to determine these relationships. An ordered logistic regression analysis was performed on the variables identified to address the research questions. A statistically significant relationship was found between high level of engagement in education activities and low risk perception. The results of this study will help health departments determine how to plan better for future Zika virus outbreaks. The positive social change implication of this study is that with better planning health departments can help reduce adverse health outcomes for their communities.

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