Prophylaxis of Lyme borreliosis and rural residents’ awareness

Background
The study aimed to evaluate the scope and level of rural residents’ knowledge on the prevention of Lyme borreliosis and how this knowledge is used by residents of some selected rural areas of Lublin Province.

Material and methods
A survey methodology was conducted with a sample of respondents of the Firlej and Kock communes (Lubartów County) and Borki commune (Radzyń Podlaski County). The study group involved 100 rural residents aged 18-67 years (mean 43; SD 0.14).

Results
Among rural residents participating in the study, 35% are engaged in agriculture, and 61% have backyard gardens. 14% of the respondents have experienced a single tick bite, while 26% multiple bites. Out of those respondents who have experienced tick bites, only 12.5% have undergone diagnostic tests for the presence of Lyme borreliosis. The reported bite sites were found mostly in the lower limb (55%), stomach (40%), upper limb (30%), and the observed symptoms included first of all: muscle pain (50%), headache (37.5%), impaired concentration (20%), fever (17.5%), bone and joint pain (12.5%). A total of 30% farmers and rural residents consider their knowledge on the prevention of tick-borne diseases as minimal.

Conclusions
It is necessary to undertake educational activities that would not only contribute to an increase in the level of knowledge of countryside residents on the prevention of tick-borne diseases but also lead to taking appropriate measures when bites occur.