College Graduates' Smallpox-Related Knowledge

Since the events of September 11, 2001 terrorism and especially bio-terrorism concerns have increased. Bio-terrorism is defined as the release or threat of release into the civilian population of a natural or altered disease causing bacteria, virus, or toxin for the purpose of causing illness, death or inculcating fear. A frequently mentioned and potential bio-terrorism weapon is smallpox. Because a recent study found that a majority of Americans hold a number of beliefs about smallpox that are false (Blendon et al., 2003), investigators sought to determine if recent college graduates, a group that one might hypothesize to be educated in regards to this risk, similarly hold erroneous beliefs. College students were approached just prior to their graduation ceremony and were offered $1.00 to complete a 35-item survey that assessed smallpox related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about that disease, and recent government efforts to prepare for a potential attack. A sample of 225 was obtained with a mean age of 28.4 (8.1), and an ethnic distribution of 60% white, 13% Asian, 10% Hispanic, 8% African-American and 9% other. Over 54% and 91% of respondents respectively, and incorrectly, believed that smallpox cases had occurred in the United States and the world within the past 5 years. Over 60% also falsely believed that there is an effective treatment for smallpox and only 34% knew that receiving the vaccine within four days of exposure reduces the symptoms effects of the disease. Additionally 77% incorrectly believed that it is possible to contract smallpox from the vaccine and just 36% knew that it is possible to become ill after having physical contact with a recently vaccinated person. Only about 1/4 of respondents knew that there is sufficient smallpox vaccine to inoculate the entire United States population, however, 91% knew that smallpox is contagious. When asked if they would be vaccinated as a precaution against a terrorist attack 36% indicated that they would not. If smallpox were to arise anywhere in the United States 44% would get vaccinated, but if the disease were to occur in their community 78% would submit to the procedure. There is a clear need for public education in regards to smallpox. Health educators should play a role in improving the smallpox-related knowledge of Americans
Keyword(s): disease prevention