Cresson, Pa. – A Mount Aloysius College professor is teaming up with a professor from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to study tick-borne disease prevention in Pennsylvania. The team of researchers are looking for PA residents to share their knowledge via a short survey.
Dr. J.T. Bandzuh, Assistant Professor of Geography and Political Science at Mount Aloysius, and Dr. Jill Henning, Professor of Biology at UPJ, are conducting a survey of local residents’ knowledge of tick-borne diseases in order to inform future health education initiatives and raise public awareness surrounding prevention efforts.
“Tick-borne diseases are an important and growing public health issue in Pennsylvania, yet we know relatively little about how residents in Pennsylvania understand their risk and protect themselves, their families, and their pets,” said Dr. Bandzuh. “This research will help us better understand what people know, what they are currently doing to prevent tick-borne diseases, and what barriers may prevent them from taking more action.”
Their research examines individuals’ perception of risk from ticks, current prevention practices and outdoor recreations, and behaviors such as insect repellent use, tick checks, protection of pets, and property management.
Bandzuh and Henning hope the results of their survey will provide helpful information for public health agencies and communities in the region working to reduce the impact of tick-borne diseases.
Participate in the study by completing the survey at: https://t2m.io/tick-study
