Psychosocial effects of the 2001 UK foot and mouth disease epidemic in a rural population: qualitative diary based study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To understand the health and social consequences of the 2001 foot and mouth disease epidemic for a rural population.

Design

Longitudinal qualitative analysis.

Setting

North Cumbria, the worst affected area in Britain.

Sample

Purposive sample of 54 respondents divided in six demographically balanced rural occupational and population groups.

Main outcome measures

3071 weekly diaries contributed over 18 months; 72 semistructured interviews (with the 54 diarists and 18 others); 12 group discussions with diarists

Results

The disease epidemic was a human tragedy, not just an animal one. Respondents' reports showed that life after the foot and mouth disease epidemic was accompanied by distress, feelings of bereavement, fear of a new disaster,

SUBMITTER: Mort M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1289318 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature