Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms and Health: Awareness, Behaviors, Perceptions, and Communication Preferences Among U.S. Adults.

Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a growing health risk for children, adults, and their dogs. To inform more effective illness prevention strategies, this study examined awareness, behaviors, perceptions, and communication preferences related to health and HABs. Four focus groups were condu...

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Publicado en:Journal of Environmental Health Vol. 88; no. 7; pp. 18 - 27
Autores principales: Jacobi, Amy, Rutt, Candace, Berry, Bria, Cadua Mariani, Abigail, Thummalapally, Sharanya, Aina, Tola
Formato: pictorial research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: National Environmental Health Association Mar2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Mar2026
      vid: 88
      iid: 7
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      pub: National Environmental Health Association
      place: Denver, Colorado
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        atl: Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms and Health: Awareness, Behaviors, Perceptions, and Communication Preferences Among U.S. Adults.
      aug:
        au:
          Jacobi, Amy
          Rutt, Candace
          Berry, Bria
          Cadua Mariani, Abigail
          Thummalapally, Sharanya
          Aina, Tola
        affil: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      sug:
        subj:
          Bacteria
          Biological Phenomena
          Water
          Attitude to Risk Evaluation
          Health Knowledge In Adulthood
          Health Behavior In Adulthood
          Communication
          Environmental Health
          Funding Source
          United States
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Adult
          Middle Age
          Aged
          Qualitative Studies
          Focus Groups
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Audiorecording
          Videorecording
          Thematic Analysis
          Data Analysis Software
          Environmental Exposure
          Water Pollution
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
          Aged: 65+ years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a growing health risk for children, adults, and their dogs. To inform more effective illness prevention strategies, this study examined awareness, behaviors, perceptions, and communication preferences related to health and HABs. Four focus groups were conducted in March 2024 with U.S. adults who frequent freshwater bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers) for recreation. Focus group participants, who included dog owners and parents of children or teenagers, reported moderate awareness of HABs and perceived low personal risk from HAB exposure. When deciding if to enter bodies of water, most individuals relied on sensory cues more than official recommendations such as water advisories. In general, participants reported trusting officials and following water advisories if they saw them. They preferred timely information that described HABs using simple terms and information available through multiple channels. Public health practitioners can consider the insights we gained from the focus group participants to inform future audience research, HAB risk communication, and illness prevention.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        pictorial
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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