Risk Perception and Spatial Analysis of Environmental Factors Related to Lyme Disease in Alabama by Means of Earth Observation Systems

This study, Stage 2 of the project, analyzed NASA Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite imagery to produce Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and soil moisture classifications to identify likely tick habitats in the state of Alabama. Knowledge and recognition of these locations are vital to the prevention, early recognition, and treatment of tick-borne disease (TBD), such as Lyme disease (LD). Previous TBD prevention efforts in Alabama and its surrounding states were assessed to identify the level of information available to stakeholders. Using previous studies on risk factors related to TBD and theoretical constructs from the Social Ecological Model and Health Belief Model (HBM), this project also created a survey instrument that assesses knowledge, attitudes, and prevention behaviors regarding Lyme disease and ticks among individuals in Alabama who participate in university-operated outdoor recreation programs. The survey instrument is needed to study the target population and develop an effective health communication campaign, which will be used in ongoing work to educate stakeholders.