Anthrax Exposure, Belief in Exposure, and Postanthrax Symptoms Among Survivors of a Bioterrorist Attack on Capitol Hill
| Autor: | Carol S. North, Stephanie Chiao, David E. Pollio, Howard M. Kipen, William K. Hallman |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2018 |
| Předmět: |
Adult
Male 0211 other engineering and technologies 02 engineering and technology Anthrax 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Volunteer Sample Environmental health Health care Humans Medicine Survivors 030212 general & internal medicine Illness Behavior 021110 strategic defence & security studies business.industry Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Medically unexplained Middle Aged Bioterrorism Anthrax exposure Radiological weapon District of Columbia Female Public Health High incidence Public health preparedness business |
| Zdroj: | Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. 13:555-560 |
| ISSN: | 1938-744X 1935-7893 |
| DOI: | 10.1017/dmp.2018.115 |
| Popis: | BackgroundFollowing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear disasters, medically unexplained symptoms have been observed among unexposed persons.ObjectivesThis study examined belief in exposure in relation to postdisaster symptoms in a volunteer sample of 137 congressional workers after the 2001 anthrax attacks on Capitol Hill.MethodsPostdisaster symptoms, belief in exposure, and actual exposure status were obtained through structured diagnostic interviews and self-reported presence in offices officially designated as exposed through environmental sampling. Multivariate models were tested for associations of number of postdisaster symptoms with exposure and belief in exposure, controlling for sex and use of antibiotics.ResultsThe sample was divided into 3 main subgroups: exposed, 41%; unexposed but believed they were exposed, 17%; and unexposed and did not believe that they were exposed, 42%. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of the volunteers reported experiencing symptoms after the anthrax attacks. Belief in anthrax exposure was significantly associated with the number of ear/nose/throat, musculoskeletal, and all physical symptoms. No significant associations were found between anthrax exposure and the number of postdisaster symptoms.ConclusionsGiven the high incidence of these symptoms, these data suggest that even in the absence of physical injury or illness, there may be surges in health care utilization. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:555-560) |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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