Factors influencing the utilization of Lyme disease-prevention behaviors in a high-risk population.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors motivating high-risk individuals to implement Lyme disease-prevention behaviors.

DATA SOURCES: Patients presenting to the Lyme Disease Diagnostic Center in New York State completed a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the 219 persons completing the questionnaire, participants who reported having had Lyme disease in the past were significantly more likely to use preventive behaviors than those without a history of Lyme disease (p = .01). Additionally, persons who reported having a family member or close friend with Lyme disease were more likely to use preventive behaviors than those without such a relationship (p = .02). Increasing age was associated with increased use of preventive behaviors only for participants without a history of Lyme disease (p = .04).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings provide information that may be important in developing community prevention programs for Lyme disease. Younger persons without a history of Lyme disease should be targeted for programs that will educate them about Lyme disease.