Hawaii veterinarians' bioterrorism preparedness needs assessment survey.
The purpose of this study was to assess the objective bioterrorism-related knowledge base and the perceived response readiness of veterinarians in Hawaii to a bioterrorism event, and also to identify variables associated with knowledge-based test performance. An anonymous survey instrument was mailed to all licensed veterinarians residing in Hawaii (N = 229) up to three times during June and July 2004, using numeric identifiers to track non-respondents. The response rate for deliverable surveys was 59% (125 of 212). Only 12% (15 of 123) of respondents reported having had prior training on bioterrorism. Forty-four percent (55 of 125) reported being able to identify a bioterrorism event in animal populations; however, only 17% (21 of 125) felt able to recognize a bioterrorism event in human populations. Only 16% (20 of 123) felt they were able to respond effectively to a bioterrorist attack. Over 90% (106 of 116) expressed their willingness to provide assistance to the state in its response to a bioterrorist event. Veterinarians scored a mean of 70% correct (5.6 out of 8 questions) on the objective knowledge-based questions. Additional bioterrorism preparedness training should be made available, both in the form of continuing educational offerings for practicing veterinarians and as a component of the curriculum in veterinary schools.
Katz
Alan R
AR
Department of Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1960 East-West Road, Biomedical Sciences Building, Room D204, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. katz@hawaii.edu
Nekorchuk
Dawn M
DM
Holck
Peter S
PS
Hendrickson
Lisa A
LA
Imrie
Allison A
AA
Effler
Paul V
PV
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D004520:Education, Veterinary / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires