Perceptions and Reactions with Regard to Pneumonic Plague

Abstract

We assessed perceptions and likely reactions of 1,005 UK adults to a hypothetical terrorist attack involving pneumonic plague. Likely compliance with official recommendations ranged from good (98% would take antimicrobial drugs) to poor (76% would visit a treatment center). Perceptions about plague were associated with these intentions.

Keywords

• Bioterrorism and preparedness
• communication
• health behavior
• patient compliance
• plague
• public health