Mäkelä et al.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards vector-borne diseases in changing climate in Finland. Epidemiol Infect. 2025;153:e12. doi:10.1017/S0950268824001468
A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) among a sample of Finnish residents.
Nearly all respondents had heard of TBDs, but 70% were unfamiliar with MBDs. Half of the participants knew that tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a virus. However, only one-third were aware that the TBE virus can be transmitted by all tick stages, from larvae to nymphs. The majority (60%) incorrectly believed that only adult ticks transmit the virus.
Only 17% of respondents knew that approximately 1% to 2% of ticks in high-risk areas carry the TBE virus. Most participants were unaware of the correct percentage, with many estimating it to be between 10% and 20%. While 75% recognized that vaccination provides protection against TBE, 41% mistakenly believed it also protects against Lyme borreliosis, and 28% thought it protects against ticks. Additionally, only 28% believed that repellents are effective against ticks.
The most commonly practiced preventive measure was removing an attached tick as quickly as possible (84%), followed by wearing long-sleeved clothing (78%) and performing a tick check after outdoor activities (57%).
A significant knowledge gap identified in the study was the confusion between the characteristics of TBE and Lyme disease. A majority (61%) mistakenly believed that a ring-like rash is a typical symptom of TBE, and 80% incorrectly thought that removing a tick immediately reduces the risk of TBE.
Overall, the study provided a comprehensive assessment of KAP related to vector-borne diseases in the Finnish population, revealing major knowledge gaps regarding TBE.