title: Knowledge and Attitude of Iranian Red Crescent Society Volunteers in Dealing with Bioterrorist attacks.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bioterrorism is a worldwide problem and has been the focus of attention during recent decades. There is no precise information on the knowledge, attitude, and preparedness of Iranian Red Crescent volunteers in dealing with bioterrorism. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the above-mentioned parameters in Mahabad Red Crescent Society volunteers.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective cross-sectional study, the knowledge of 120 volunteers was evaluated and rated as poor, moderate, and good. In addition, attitude of the volunteers and preparedness of Mahabad Red Crescent Society was rated as inappropriate and appropriate using a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of volunteers was 32.0 ± 8.2 years (62.5% male). 2 (1.7%) volunteers had good knowledge while 94 (78.3%) had no knowledge regarding bioterrorist attack management. Only 1 (0.8%) volunteer had appropriate attitude and 6 (5.0%) stated their preparedness for being sent out to the crisis zone. 116 volunteers (96.7%) indicated that Mahabad Red Crescent Society has an inappropriate level of preparedness to encounter bioterrorist attacks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of the present study showed poor knowledge and inappropriate attitude of Mahabad Red Crescent Society volunteers in encountering probable bioterrorist attacks. Furthermore, the Red Crescent Society of this town had an inappropriate level of preparedness in the field of bioterrorism from the viewpoint of the studied volunteers.
authors: Department of Hospital Management, Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Seyed Ali
authors: SA
authors: Bahreini Moghadam
authors: Department of Biology, Higher Education Institute of Rabe - Rashid, Tabriz, Iran.
authors: Siavash
authors: S
authors: Hamzeh Pour
authors: Department of Biotechnology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
authors: Mahmoud
authors: M
authors: Toorchi
authors: Department of Biology, Higher Education Institute of Rabe - Rashid, Tabriz, Iran.
authors: Youssof
authors: Y
authors: Sefidi Heris
keywords: Bioterrorism; civil defense; knowledge; rescue work