Public response to an anthrax attack: a multiethnic perspective.

Abstract

The 2001 anthrax attacks emphasized the need to develop outreach that would more effectively support racial/ethnic minority populations during a bioterrorism incident. Given the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis in a future anthrax attack, it should be a priority to better support racial/ethnic minorities in mass dispensing programs. To examine the needs and perspectives of racial/ethnic minorities, this study used a nationally representative poll of 1,852 adults, including 1,240 whites, 261 African Americans, and 282 Hispanics. The poll examined public reactions to a ''worst-case scenario'' in which cases of inhalation anthrax are discovered without an identified source and the entire population of a city or town is asked to receive antibiotic prophylaxis within 48 hours. Findings suggest willingness across all racial/ethnic groups to comply with recommendations to seek prophylaxis at dispensing sites. However, findings also indicate possible barriers for racial/ethnic minorities, including greater concern about pill safety and multiple attacks as well as lesser knowledge about inhalation anthrax. Across all racial/ethnic groups, roughly half would prefer to receive antibiotics at mass dispensing sites rather than through the US Postal Service. People in racial/ethnic minority groups were more likely to say this preference stems from a desire to speak with staff or to exchange medication formulation or type. Findings suggest the need for tailored outreach to racial/ethnic minorities through, for example, emphasis on key messages and enhanced understandability in communications, increased staff for answering questions in relevant dispensing sites, and long-term trust building with racial/ethnic minority communities.

• Authors: Gillian K Steelfisher, Robert J Blendon, Amanda S Brulé, Eran N Ben-Porath, Laura J Ross, Bret M Atkins
• Journal: Biosecurity and bioterrorism : biodefense strategy, practice, and science (Biosecur Bioterror) Vol. 10 Issue 4 Pg. 401-11 (Dec 2012) ISSN: 1557-850X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23244501 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Black or African American (psychology)
• Anthrax (ethnology, prevention & control, psychology)
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis (adverse effects, psychology)
• Bacillus anthracis
• Biohazard Release (psychology)
• Bioterrorism (psychology)
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice (ethnology)
• Hispanic or Latino (psychology)
• Humans
• Inhalation Exposure
• Patient Acceptance of Health Care (ethnology, psychology)
• Public Opinion
• Trust (psychology)
• White People (psychology)