In lakes but not in minds: stakeholder knowledge of invasive species in prairie lakes

Humans are key vectors in the spread and establishment of aquatic invasive species (AIS), and human behavior can exacerbate or help prevent further spread of non-native species. Therefore, stakeholders’ knowledge is critical to preventing establishment of AIS. However, stakeholders’ AIS knowledge in prairie lakes remains poorly understood. We used a survey questionnaire in Saskatchewan, Canada, to assess the state of AIS knowledge, identify predictors of knowledge, and optimize management strategies. Statistical analyses of the responses of 440 participants indicated a generally low level of AIS knowledge, suggesting low communication success. Respondents were generally more aware of non-native fishes than plants. Of concern was the observation of substantial knowledge gaps regarding non-native mussels and important preventative behaviors that may have devastating ecological, social, and economic consequences if left unaddressed. Better understanding of AIS issues was significantly associated with several trans-situational (age, sex and education), situational (recreational purpose and using multiple lakes), and lake-related knowledge (awareness of eutrophication) predictors. Exploitation of these predictors is recommended to improve effectiveness of outreach and communication efforts. Specifically, we propose that management strategies focus on improving communications by streamlining outreach messages, targeting low-knowledge groups (e.g., swimmers, cabin owners), and expanding education campaigns.     

Exploring lake user and manager knowledge of aquatic invasive species in New Hampshire freshwater lake systems,USA

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten freshwater ecosystem structure and function worldwide. Such changes trigger a variety of negative impacts on lake recreation and the economics of individuals, towns, and states. Recent studies suggest environmental educational efforts have been an effective tool in raising public awareness of AIS; however, we lack a more general understanding of how public versus manager knowledge of invasive species and their threats to freshwater ecosystems and human livelihoods. To fill this gap, we surveyed New Hampshire lake users and interviewed lake managers to 1) identify the key issues surrounding AIS management; and 2) assess public awareness of the AIS problem and their management at three lakes in New Hampshire. Our interviews with managers suggest that educational outreach is a key mechanism for combatting the AIS problem. The general public surveys further differentiated respondents into two groups that differed demography and in AIS knowledge and concern. Together, our results indicate that AIS management efforts depend heavily on funding, regional cooperation, and commitment of individual managers and lake-users. Blanket outreach campaigns have been effective in expanding the knowledge reach of AIS, but they remain too general to engage the public in AIS spread prevention and eradication. Instead, integrating practices of rapid response and appeals to responsibility norms among lake users is paramount for combatting the AIS problem in this region.     

Connecting human–nature relationships to environmental behaviors that minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species

Management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is widely recognized as a global conservation concern driven by myriad factors, particularly individual behaviors. A burgeoning literature focused on the human dimensions of AIS has begun to provide insight into the complexities of behavior change; however, most studies are bound to specific geographic locales and have prevented resource management agencies from making regionally valid statements about the anthropogenic factors contributing to biological invasions. We examined stakeholders’ awareness and knowledge of AIS transmission in an evaluation of educational outreach campaign logos and illustrated how human–nature relationships were related to behaviors relevant to AIS reduction at two case study sites. Drawing from a thematic analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with organisms-in-trade hobbyists and recreational water users in the state of Illinois, we observed high awareness of environmental impacts and modes of transmission by the two groups. Both awareness advanced through AIS outreach and a diversity of human–nature relationships were helpful for understanding reported environmental behaviors. Specifically, stakeholders’ views of their relationships with nature affected decisions to engage in activities that contributed to social-ecological change. Results also revealed preferences for national rather than state-level outreach campaign logos, which carry implications for designing communication strategies that will minimize the likelihood of biological invasions in freshwater ecosystems.     

Measuring the effectiveness of using rangers to deliver a behavior change campaign on sustainable palm oil in a UK zoo

A fundamental objective of modern zoos is promoting pro-environmental behaviors. This study experimentally assessed the contribution of zoo rangers (staff employed to engage visitors) in delivering a behavior change campaign promoting sustainable palm oil use. The campaign was delivered in a dedicated area in a walk-through animal exhibit, with rangers either “present” or “absent” in the campaign space. Questionnaires assessing awareness, knowledge, and purchasing intentions were completed by 1032 visitors. Two analyses were conducted: (1) comparing the impact of ranger presence versus absence (to assess the overall impact of having rangers present regardless of whether they talked to visitors) and (2) comparing the impact of talking to a ranger against demographically matched individuals visiting when rangers were absent (to assess the specific impact of talking to a ranger). Visitors who talked to rangers were more aware of palm oil, had more knowledge, and greater intentions of purchasing sustainable palm oil. However, as only one-quarter of visitors talked to a ranger, fewer differences were found comparing ranger presence versus absence. These findings suggest that rangers can be instrumental in communicating complex conservation issues and delivering zoo-based behavior change campaigns, but their impact is limited by low engagement rates.     

Segmenting boaters based on level of transience: outreach and policy implications for the prevention of aquatic invasive species

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is a priority for many ecologists and natural resource managers. Because some boaters pose greater risk to spreading AIS, targeted outreach to them may be strategic. This study used data from a Wisconsin boater survey and examined whether boaters who differ in transience level, a proxy for risk, differed in terms of compliance with AIS prevention behaviors and other factors that could inform policy and targeted outreach. Segmenting based on transience yielded differences in terms of behavior, knowledge and communication habits. The results indicate that outreach may need to clarify behaviors related to live bait. Partnerships with lake associations and interpersonal communication may help improve compliance and clarify bait disposal behaviors, as it was found that highly transient boaters discuss AIS more with family and friends, and they hear more about AIS from lake associations. Differences in the three groups confirm their distinctness, suggesting that representatives from each category should be included in public management discussions when inclusivity is desired.     

Campaign against AIDS in Switzerland: evaluation of a nationwide educational programme.

The campaign against the spread of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Switzerland includes a nationwide educational programme. A booklet about AIDS was mailed to every Swiss household in March 1986, and in 1987 there has been a mass media campaign promoting the use of condoms. We evaluated the results of the first phase--the distribution of the booklet--using a separate sample pretest and post-test design. The pretest was carried out 15 days before the booklet was mailed (sample n = 1056) and the post-test two months after the booklet was mailed (n = 1278). Of the population aged 20-69, to whom the book was sent, 56% read the booklet. For those who read the booklet compared with those who did not the results showed an improvement in knowledge and a better understanding of the risks of specific behaviours and of exposed groups and thus less fear of becoming infected through daily activities. The mean indices of knowledge and beliefs were significantly different when tested by the Kruskal-Wallis method. Having better information does not imply that people will change their behaviour, but both the high reading rate and the increase in knowledge suggest that the Swiss educational programme reached its objectives. Moreover, the success of this campaign helps to support other campaigns that are being developed to promote the use of condoms.     

The role of genetic risk factors in arterial ischemic stroke in pediatric and adult patients: a critical review

The incidence of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in childhood (about 2–13 per 100,000 children a year) is much lower than the incidence in the adult population. Still, adverse outcomes of acute brain ischemia in childhood include death (10 % of AIS children), neurological sequel, epileptic seizures (over 50 %) and recurrence (over 20 %). The knowledge of childhood stroke etiopathogenesis is still insufficient and the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures—controversial. Risk factors for childhood stroke differ from those observed in adults due to differing exposure to external risk factors. The most frequently reported risk factors for pediatric ischemic stroke are cerebral arteriopathies and vascular malformations, cardiac diseases, infections, traumas and metabolic diseases. Because of its multifactorial etiology pediatric AIS probably has a multigenic inheritance pattern. The genetic susceptibility to AIS may be determined by specific polymorphic variants encoding markers of hemostasis regulation and they are some of the most important targets in searching for genetic determinants in pediatric AIS. The authors have reviewed the recent literature on risk factors of childhood ischemic stroke with the focus on genetic factors like polymorphisms of genes encoding coagulation factors II, V, VII and XIII, MTHFR, fibrinogen beta, and compared them with the results performed in adult patients.     

Melanoma literacy among the general population of three western US states

Melanoma is a significant cause of cancer death, despite being detectable without specialized or invasive technologies. Understanding barriers to preventive behaviors such as skin self-examination (SSE) could help to define interventions for increasing the frequency of early detection. To determine melanoma knowledge and beliefs across three high-incidence US states, 15,000 surveys were sent to a population-representative sample. We aimed to assess (1) melanoma literacy (i.e., knowledge about melanoma risks, attitudes, and preventive behaviors) and (2) self-reported SSE and its association with melanoma literacy, self-efficacy, and belief in the benefits of SSE. Of 2326 respondents, only 21.2% provided responses indicating high knowledge of melanoma, and 62.8% reported performing an SSE at any time in their lives. Only 38.3% and 7.3% reported being “fairly” or “very” confident about doing SSE, respectively. SSE performance among respondents was most strongly associated with higher melanoma knowledge, higher self-efficacy, and personal history of melanoma. Melanoma literacy among survey respondents was modest, with greater literacy associated with a higher likelihood of reported preventive behavior. This assessment establishes a baseline and provides guidance for public health campaigns designed to increase prevention and early detection of this lethal cancer.     

Identifying like-minded audiences for global warming public engagement campaigns: an audience segmentation analysis and tool development

Background

Achieving national reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will require public support for climate and energy policies and changes in population behaviors. Audience segmentation – a process of identifying coherent groups within a population – can be used to improve the effectiveness of public engagement campaigns.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In Fall 2008, we conducted a nationally representative survey of American adults (n = 2,164) to identify audience segments for global warming public engagement campaigns. By subjecting multiple measures of global warming beliefs, behaviors, policy preferences, and issue engagement to latent class analysis, we identified six distinct segments ranging in size from 7 to 33% of the population. These six segments formed a continuum, from a segment of people who were highly worried, involved and supportive of policy responses (18%), to a segment of people who were completely unconcerned and strongly opposed to policy responses (7%). Three of the segments (totaling 70%) were to varying degrees concerned about global warming and supportive of policy responses, two (totaling 18%) were unsupportive, and one was largely disengaged (12%), having paid little attention to the issue. Certain behaviors and policy preferences varied greatly across these audiences, while others did not. Using discriminant analysis, we subsequently developed 36-item and 15-item instruments that can be used to categorize respondents with 91% and 84% accuracy, respectively.

Conclusions/Significance

In late 2008, Americans supported a broad range of policies and personal actions to reduce global warming, although there was wide variation among the six identified audiences. To enhance the impact of campaigns, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses seeking to engage the public can selectively target one or more of these audiences rather than address an undifferentiated general population. Our screening instruments are available to assist in that process.     

Youth's Awareness of and Reactions to The Real Cost National Tobacco Public Education Campaign

In 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched its first tobacco-focused public education campaign, The Real Cost, aimed at reducing tobacco use among 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States. This study describes The Real Cost message strategy, implementation, and initial evaluation findings. The campaign was designed to encourage youth who had never smoked but are susceptible to trying cigarettes (susceptible nonsmokers) and youth who have previously experimented with smoking (experimenters) to reassess what they know about the “costs” of tobacco use to their body and mind. The Real Cost aired on national television, online, radio, and other media channels, resulting in high awareness levels. Overall, 89.0% of U.S. youth were aware of at least one advertisement 6 to 8 months after campaign launch, and high levels of awareness were attained within the campaign’s two targeted audiences: susceptible nonsmokers (90.5%) and experimenters (94.6%). Most youth consider The Real Cost advertising to be effective, based on assessments of ad perceived effectiveness (mean = 4.0 on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0). High levels of awareness and positive ad reactions are requisite proximal indicators of health behavioral change. Additional research is being conducted to assess whether potential shifts in population-level cognitions and/or behaviors are attributable to this campaign. Current findings demonstrate that The Real Cost has attained high levels of ad awareness which is a critical first step in achieving positive changes in tobacco-related attitudes and behaviors. These data can also be used to inform ongoing message and media strategies for The Real Cost and other U.S. youth tobacco prevention campaigns.     

Perception and knowledge of the Sirex woodwasp and other forest pests in South Africa

• 1 Sirex noctilio F. (Siricidae: Hymenoptera) is one of the most serious invasive pests of pine. In South Africa, there has been a national effort to control S. noctilio, including a campaign to increase awareness of the pest amongst the local forestry community.
• 2 We considered the impacts that the arrival of the pest and the awareness campaign have had on perceptions and knowledge of S. noctilio, as well as other forestry pests, amongst members of the forestry community.
• 3 For data collection, a survey questionnaire was developed and used in telephone interviews.
• 4 The results obtained in the present study showed that the Sirex awareness campaign had increased knowledge of forestry pests in general but basic knowledge regarding the identification and symptoms of specific pests, such as S. noctilio, was poor. This will negatively influence monitoring efficacy.
• 5 Traditional paper‐based media and personal contact contributed most to enhanced awareness. Electronic media were less effective and improvement would require a more focused effort. It was of concern that private farmers and contractors, as well as non‐European first language speakers, were less well informed about forestry pests.
• 6 Clearly, a fragmented landscape in terms of ownership and language, presents challenges for effective communication of forestry pest threats.

     

Prevention de l’infertilite d’origine infectieuse chez l’adolescent

Some causes of infertility can be prevented, as is the case for infertility of infectious origin. Genital infections represent a major source of infertility. Prostato-epididymitis consecutive to an urinary infection can be prevented by identifying and treating prostatic localizations at an early stage of urinary infection. The prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), which cause male and female infertility, is, at the moment, accomplished by the prevention of the sexual transmission of the HIV. Teenagers represent a target of choice for the educational campaigns promoting condom use. The role of physicians, especially when teenagers are asking for a contraception, must be complementary to the public health campaign to decrease the spread of HIV and other STDs.     

Prevention de l’infertilite d’origine infectieuse chez l’adolescent

Some causes of infertility can be prevented, as is the case for infertility of infectious origin. Genital infections represent a major source of infertility. Prostato-epididymitis consecutive to an urinary infection can be prevented by identifying and treating prostatic localizations at an early stage of urinary infection. The prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), which cause male and female infertility, is, at the moment, accomplished by the prevention of the sexual transmission of the HIV. Teenagers represent a target of choice for the educational campaigns promoting condom use. The role of physicians, especially when teenagers are asking for a contraception, must be complementary to the public health campaign to decrease the spread of HIV and other STDs.     

Mass Media Effect on the Operating Environment of a Wildlife-Related Risk-Communication Campaign

ABSTRACT Managers and other stakeholders may rely on wildlife-related risk communication campaigns to prevent or reduce risks associated with human-wildlife conflict. The operating environment or the sphere of activity within which a campaign functions can influence a campaign's ability to achieve outcomes. Between 1 May 2005 and 30 October 2005, we studied human-black bear conflict in southeastern New York and the wildlife-related risk communication campaign, the New York NeighBEARhood Watch (NYNW). Based on the social amplification of risk framework, our goal was to determine whether mass media affected the operating environment of the campaign, and if so, identify the magnitude and direction of the effect. We used a self-administered mail survey (N = 2,800) in 4 southeastern New York, USA, towns to collect data about residents’ perceived black bear-related risks, bear-related behavior, and exposure to the NYNW. We also conducted a content analysis of mass media coverage about black bears. Exposure to the NYNW from newspapers was positively correlated (R = 0.39, P < 0.01) with respondents’ decreased acceptance of black bear-related risks. Our results showed a small social amplification of risk associated with black bears from exposure to mass media, specifically newspapers. Mass media can influence the operating environment of a wildlife-related risk communication campaign, including through amplification of risk perception. Characterizing the operating environment of campaigns is key to HWC-intervention planning, evaluation, and policy. Wildlife practitioners can consider media effects, as well as other biological and social factors, as potential influences on a campaign's operating environment and be aware that interaction effects may occur.     

Some signals cannot wait: Effects of a national campaign on early detection of cancer among Dutch adults (>55 years)

Background: The present study examined the effects of the campaign “early detection of cancer” on knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and intention to perform passive detection and timely seeking medical help. Further, the campaign was evaluated on recall and recognition and the various campaign components were evaluated. Methods: A longitudinal study using a Solomon four-group design among 784 Dutch adults aged 55 years and older was conducted. Data was gathered by means of telephone interviews. Results: The results showed moderate levels of campaign awareness. After the campaign, solely respondents who received a pre-test questionnaire and were aware of the campaign had significant higher cancer knowledge levels regarding passive detection. Respondents who were only aware of the campaign were significantly more willing to perform passive detection behavior and to timely seek medical help in the future. Further, they were more aware that paying attention to cancer warning signs can lead to early detection of cancer. Conclusions: It can be concluded that solely the combination of the pre-test questionnaire and exposure to the campaign had a significant positive impact on respondents’ cancer knowledge levels. The effects of the campaign on intention and awareness are indistinct and could be a consequence of (the results of) a self-selection bias. It seems that the dose, frequency, and duration of the campaign should be increased in order to substantiate the effects of the campaign.     

Social marketing campaigns as an instrument of influence on the attitude and behavior of youth in the area of sexual health

The principles and necessity of carrying out campaigns "Reasonable Man--Reasonable Choice" are presented. The sociological questioning among young people in Moscow (prior to the campaign) was found to be indicative of the discrepancy between their knowledge of protection from HIV/AIDS and their behavior. The development of the strategy of the campaign included sociological studies, the full set of publicity materials and drawing attention to the campaign itself. The results of the work for 8 months were summed up by means of sociological questioning which demonstrated the effectiveness of all arrangements of the campaign.     

Personal Health Maintenance for Children

The foundations for lifelong responsibility for personal health maintenance are laid down in childhood. Personal health maintenance for children is important for a healthy childhood, for a healthy adulthood and for the development of positive values about health, personal health responsibility and the use of health services. Present knowledge in this area is weak but growing. Five areas of development are highlighted: (1) the cognitive understanding of health and disease, (2) a psychological sense of control over health, (3) parental and media influences on health behaviors, (4) school health education and (5) training by health professionals about self-management of childhood illness and health services usage patterns. Implications for current practice are developed.     

Do local communities support the conservation of endangered Przewalski’s gazelle?

Understanding local attitudes and opinion is vital to the success of conservation programs, especially in areas of expanding human populations such as China. Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) is an endangered ungulate found only in the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The gazelle is a conservation focus; however, little is known regarding how this animal is perceived by local people. To understand the relationship between demography, levels of conservation knowledge, and attitudes, we conducted 174 interviewer-led surveys in villages located inside, near, and away from the gazelle’s home ranges around Qinghai Lake, China. About half of the interviewees were aware of gazelle conservation. No more than half of the interviewees were aware that grassland fence, livestock, roads, and wolves negatively impact upon gazelle. On the whole, the majority of interviewees supported the conservation of gazelle. There were high levels of support for both establishing a special protected area and investing more funds in conservation but very few interviewees reported personal benefits from gazelle conservation. Overall attitude of interviewees toward the gazelle differed significantly among regions and people living near the range of gazelle were the most positive. Interviewees with conservation information were more positive than interviewees lacking such information. People who had more education or possessed more grassland had more positive attitudes toward the gazelle. This study suggests that greater communication is needed with local people. Programs that promote public engagement and participation are required for the conservation of Przewalski’s gazelle and other larger herbivores on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.     

The Impact of a One-Dose versus Two-Dose Oral Cholera Vaccine Regimen in Outbreak Settings: A Modeling Study

BackgroundIn 2013, a stockpile of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) was created for use in outbreak response, but vaccine availability remains severely limited. Innovative strategies are needed to maximize the health impact and minimize the logistical barriers to using available vaccine. Here we ask under what conditions the use of one dose rather than the internationally licensed two-dose protocol may do both.ConclusionsReactive vaccination campaigns using a single dose of OCV may avert more cases and deaths than a standard two-dose campaign when vaccine supplies are limited, while at the same time reducing logistical complexity. These findings should motivate consideration of the trade-offs between one- and two-dose campaigns in resource-constrained settings, though further field efficacy data are needed and should be a priority in any one-dose campaign.     

“Cancer – Educate to Prevent” – High-School Teachers,the New Promoters of Cancer Prevention Education Campaigns

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and thus represents a priority for national public health programs. Prevention has been assumed as the best strategy to reduce cancer burden, however most cancer prevention programs are implemented by healthcare professionals, which constrain range and educational impacts.We developed an innovative approach for cancer prevention education focused on high-school biology teachers, considered privileged mediators in the socialization processes. A training program, “Cancer, Educate to Prevent” was applied, so that the teachers were able to independently develop and implement prevention campaigns focused on students and school-related communities. The program encompassed different educational modules, ranging from cancer biology to prevention campaigns design. Fifty-four teachers were empowered to develop and implement their own cancer prevention campaigns in a population up to five thousands students.The success of the training program was assessed through quantitative evaluation – questionnaires focused on teachers'' cancer knowledge and perceptions, before the intervention (pre-test) and immediately after (post-test). The projects developed and implemented by teachers were also evaluated regarding the intervention design, educational contents and impact on the students'' knowledge about cancer. This study presents and discusses the results concerning the training program “Cancer, Educate to Prevent” and clearly shows a significant increase in teacher''s cancer literacy (knowledge and perceptions) and teachers'' acquired proficiency to develop and deliver cancer prevention campaigns with direct impact on students'' knowledge about cancer.This pilot study reinforces the potential of high-school teachers and schools as cancer prevention promoters and opens a new perspective for the development and validation of cancer prevention education strategies, based upon focused interventions in restricted targets (students) through non-health professionals (teachers).