PREDISPOSING FACTORS FOR INDIVIDUALS LYME-DISEASE PREVENTION PRACTICES - CONNECTICUT, MAINE, AND MONTANA

Objectives. This study examined factors that predispose individuals to protect against Lyme disease. Methods. Knowledge, attitude, and pract ice questions concerning Lyme disease prevention were included in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance surveys in Connecticut, Maine, and Montana. A total of 4246 persons were interviewed. Results. Perceived risk of acquiring Lyme disease, knowing anyone with Lyme disease, kno wledge about Lyme disease, and believing Lyme disease to be a common p roblem were significantly associated with prevention practices. Conclu sions. Predisposing factors differ substantially between states and ap pear related to disease incidence. Personal risk, knowing someone with Lyme disease, and cognizance about Lyme disease and acting on this in formation are consistent with social learning theories.