Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Native Americans in northern California regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases
Reports of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are increasing worldwide, particularly in North America where a diversity of endemic and exotic tick species and pathogens occur. Native American populations have unique outdoor cultural and occupational practices that may impact their exposure to ticks, yet thi...
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | One Health |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352771425000126 |
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| author | Patricia Torres Elizabeth F. Pienaar Michelle A. Ritchie Mourad W. Gabriel Michael J. Yabsley |
| author_facet | Patricia Torres Elizabeth F. Pienaar Michelle A. Ritchie Mourad W. Gabriel Michael J. Yabsley |
| author_sort | Patricia Torres |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Reports of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are increasing worldwide, particularly in North America where a diversity of endemic and exotic tick species and pathogens occur. Native American populations have unique outdoor cultural and occupational practices that may impact their exposure to ticks, yet this risk remains understudied in the context of TBD. To address this gap, we examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and TBDs among Native American communities in Humboldt County, California. We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants, who represented various tribes, at a cultural gathering. Cultural practices intertwined closely with outdoor activities (e.g., ceremonies, dances), potentially influencing local tick exposure patterns. Most research participants had been bitten by ticks and reported tick exposure by children and pets. Research participants demonstrated low knowledge about ticks and TBDs, as well as low levels of risk perceptions pertaining to TBDs. Research participants most commonly conducted tick checks after outdoor activity, wore long-sleeved clothing outdoors, and used homeopathic remedies or essential oils to prevent exposure to ticks and TBDs. Culturally appropriate outreach and education initiatives are needed to address TBD risk among Native American communities. Our study lays the groundwork for future research on the intersection of cultural practices and tick exposure, with implications for public health interventions that are tailored to the needs of indigenous populations. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-01eaed71e00e454ab2be57c812ad83b0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2352-7714 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | One Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-01eaed71e00e454ab2be57c812ad83b02025-01-18T05:04:49ZengElsevierOne Health2352-77142025-06-0120100976Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Native Americans in northern California regarding ticks and tick-borne diseasesPatricia Torres0Elizabeth F. Pienaar1Michelle A. Ritchie2Mourad W. Gabriel3Michael J. Yabsley4Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Center for Integrative Conservation Research, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Corresponding authors at: Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Wildlife Health Bldg. 1082, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA.Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South AfricaInstitute for Disaster Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USAIntegral Ecology Research Center, Blue Lake, CA 95525, USASoutheastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Center for Integrative Conservation Research, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Corresponding authors at: Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Wildlife Health Bldg. 1082, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA.Reports of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are increasing worldwide, particularly in North America where a diversity of endemic and exotic tick species and pathogens occur. Native American populations have unique outdoor cultural and occupational practices that may impact their exposure to ticks, yet this risk remains understudied in the context of TBD. To address this gap, we examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and TBDs among Native American communities in Humboldt County, California. We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants, who represented various tribes, at a cultural gathering. Cultural practices intertwined closely with outdoor activities (e.g., ceremonies, dances), potentially influencing local tick exposure patterns. Most research participants had been bitten by ticks and reported tick exposure by children and pets. Research participants demonstrated low knowledge about ticks and TBDs, as well as low levels of risk perceptions pertaining to TBDs. Research participants most commonly conducted tick checks after outdoor activity, wore long-sleeved clothing outdoors, and used homeopathic remedies or essential oils to prevent exposure to ticks and TBDs. Culturally appropriate outreach and education initiatives are needed to address TBD risk among Native American communities. Our study lays the groundwork for future research on the intersection of cultural practices and tick exposure, with implications for public health interventions that are tailored to the needs of indigenous populations.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352771425000126Cultural practicesPreventative measuresRisk perceptionsSemi-structured interviewsTick exposure |
| spellingShingle | Patricia Torres Elizabeth F. Pienaar Michelle A. Ritchie Mourad W. Gabriel Michael J. Yabsley Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Native Americans in northern California regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases One Health Cultural practices Preventative measures Risk perceptions Semi-structured interviews Tick exposure |
| title | Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Native Americans in northern California regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases |
| title_full | Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Native Americans in northern California regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases |
| title_fullStr | Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Native Americans in northern California regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases |
| title_full_unstemmed | Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Native Americans in northern California regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases |
| title_short | Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Native Americans in northern California regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases |
| title_sort | knowledge attitudes and practices of native americans in northern california regarding ticks and tick borne diseases |
| topic | Cultural practices Preventative measures Risk perceptions Semi-structured interviews Tick exposure |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352771425000126 |
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