August Newsletter - 2004
Institute members publish article on Bioterrorism Risk Perceptions of Public Health Professionals in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice
The study objectives were to compare the bioterrorism risk perceptions of local public health professionals and the extent of bioterrorism preparedness training, and to describe preferred methods for delivery of preparedness education in the United States. National needs assessments were conducted via a mailed survey to all local public health departments in October 2000 and repeated in November 2001. Compared to the first round survey, the perceived risk of a bioterrorism event in the United States dramatically increased after September 11 (p value < 0.0001); however, over half (57%) of respondents believed an event was unlikely to occur within their own community. Public health professionals perceive their own communities to be at low risk for a bioterrorism event. Ongoing, updated, standardized bioterrorism preparedness education is needed.
The article is titled "Bioterrorism Risk Perceptions and Educational Needs of Public Health Professionals Before and After September 11, 2001: A National Needs Assessment Survey". Its authors are Brooke N. Shadel, PhD, MPH, John J. Chen, PhD, Ryan W. Newkirk, BA, Steven J. Lawrence, MD, Bruce Clements, MPH, and R. Gregory Evans, PhD, MPH. It was published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 2004, 10(4), 282-289.Have a question or comment? Email bioterr@slu.edu