Document Type
Master's Culminating Experience
Publication Date
7-8-2011
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of bed bug infestations throughout Ohio, whether the non-infectious disease implications of infestations are public health concerns, and also determine the perceived ability of public health departments to respond to outbreaks within their jurisdiction. A descriptive study was performed using survey data obtained from 79 local public health departments throughout Ohio. Overall, 79.05% of individuals surveyed agreed that bed bug outbreaks are a public health concern. The mode of responses regarding whether or not the non-infectious disease concerns of infestations are a public health concern was 4 on a scale of 1 to 5, indicating that they agree that the non-infectious disease concerns are a public health issue. However, only 24.05% of health departments reported that their department was capable of managing bed bug complaints. Respondents indicated a general consensus that bed bugs and their non-infectious disease considerations are a public health concern, but sufficient resources are not available to curtail the problem. Consequently, this study suggests further emphasis be placed on the non-infectious disease ramifications of bed bug infestations as well as the continued use of Integrated Pest Management strategies to address the bed bug issue.
Repository Citation
Balster, C. T. (2011). The Non-Infectious Disease Implications of Bed Bug Infestations. Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.
