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Socio-behavioral aspects of sustainable public health vector control Symposium

Socio-behavioral aspects of sustainable public health vector control Symposium

297 - Project Listen: Investigating the Experiences and Challenges of Public Health & Vector Control Professionals in New England

Thursday, March 6, 2025

1:45 PM – 1:57 PM AST

Location: 208 B

Abstract: Tick and mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant health risk to residents across New England, a region reporting high incidence of Lyme disease (24 per 100,000 people in 2021). The increasing vector-borne disease risk in this region requires increased capacity at many levels in the chronically underfunded public health system. There are limited data about the current experiences of vector control professionals in the field, including what impacts their job satisfaction, decision-making, collaborations, and perspectives on the future of vector control. This study is a formative study, that uses constructivist grounded theory methods to explore and contextualize the experiences of vector control and public health staff in routine and emergency response across New England. The study population also includes local and state-level legislators, since their work directly impacts the funding and structure of many vector-related programs. Using stratified purposive sampling, we incorporate intentional variation in professional roles and geographic regions, while seeking conceptual depth.

From October 2023 to July 2024, we completed a total of 12 key informant interviews and 2 focus group discussions (n=25 participants), with participants from all six New England states. Phase two of data collection will continue through December 2024. Inductive coding has revealed preliminary main themes, including ‘Collaboration and Relationships’, ‘Communication and Influence’, and ‘Vision and Future Outlook’. Example factors that reinforce progress include open dialogue between agencies, team support, and an emphasis on sharing knowledge with the public and among professionals. Barriers to progress include public misunderstandings, limited staff with specialized training, and the growing number of competing private pest control companies. This work aims to develop practical and responsive approaches to supporting vector control, surveillance, and related policy efforts.

Co-Author(s)

JR

Johanna Ravenhurst, MSPH

School of Public Health and Health Sciences, UMass-Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
NF

Nora Finnerty, MPH

School of Public Health and Health Sciences, UMass-Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
GM

Genesis Medina, BSPH

School of Public Health and Health Sciences, UMass-Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
AS

Ariel Scalise, MPH

School of Public Health and Health Sciences, UMass-Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
EZ

Emilia Zaentz, BSPH

School of Public Health and Health Sciences, UMass-Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
SG

Sarah Goff, MD, PhD

School of Public Health and Health Sciences, UMass-Amherst, Massachusetts, United States

Presenter(s)

AL

Andrew Lover, MS, MPH, PhD

Associate Professor, Epidemiology
School of Public Health and Health Sciences, UMass-Amherst, Massachusetts, United States