Recent research suggests that the United States and the world are on the verge of a bed bug pandemic. Physical and psychological injuries result from not only the infestation but also from the misuse of pesticides to treat the bed bugs. Assumptions have been made that socioeconomic status (SES) is not an indicator of bed bug infestations. However, little information is available at the local level about the prevalence of bed bugs in private homes in areas of higher SES. This study aimed to identify prevalence, knowledge, and concern about bed bugs in one village in Ohio. Responses from 96 individuals who completed the Prevalence, Knowledge, and Concern about Bed Bugs (PK CABB) survey were utilized for data analysis. The majority of the sample was white non-Hispanic and about 95% of the respondents in the survey reported that they owned their residence. Only about 6% of the respondents knew someone with bed bugs. Additionally, 50 people (52.1%) reported they were somewhat concerned about bed bugs, despite recent media attention. About 43% of people reported that they had changed their behavior. There were no differences in the responses based on data collection method. For this higher income area the prevalence was dissimilar to the rate reported in the general public (about 20%). This suggests that bed bugs may be an environmental issue effecting low income disproportionately. Confounding issues, such as reluctance to report infestations could have resulted in inaccurately low results. Further research is needed in areas of differing socioeconomic levels. Education is needed for all in the general public related to bed bug prevention and elimination.
This year the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) has added a new way to participate in the Call for Abstracts process for the Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition. It is called, "Be a voice" and it gives you the opportunity to tell us what you’d like to experience at the AEC. Tell us topics you’d like to hear about and speakers you’d like to see. Review abstracts and provide input.
Help NEHA develop a training and education experience that continues to advance the proficiency of the environmental health profession AND helps create bottom line improvements for your organization!To search for specific abstracts, please use the search box located at the top left of the page (*next to the Blogger icon).
HELPFUL LINKS: How to Participate and Use this Blog | Disclosure | NEHA Blog Policy and Participation Guide
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PARTICIPATE: Submit An Abstract | Suggest a Topic | Suggest a Speaker | Questions?
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