Table 1 Overview of model characteristics per domain

Knowledge

Knowledge sufficiency (based on Q2-8)

j = 1 ( “Sufficient”) if at least 6 out of 7 questions have been answered correctly; j = 0 “Insufficient”)

Logistic regression with random effects

Forest cover (%), Urbanisation level (scale 1–5); Previous education; Perceived susceptibility (knowing persons with LB).

Perceived severity

Consequence of tick bite: disease or itch (based on Q5)

j = 1 (“Disease” ),

Logistic regression with random effects

Forest cover (%), Urbanisation level (scale 1–5); Previous education; Knowledge score ≥5; Perceived susceptibility (knowing persons with LB).

j = 0 (“Itch” or “Not sure”)

Perceived susceptibility

Can you get ill? (based on Q9)

j = 2 (“Yes”),

Ordered logit with random effects

Forest cover (%), Urbanisation level (scale 1–5); Previous education; Knowledge score ≥6; perceived severity; Perceived susceptibility (knowing persons with LB); Protective behaviour.

j = 1 (“Not sure”),

j = 0 (“No”)

Perceived importance

Body checks important? (based on Q10)

j = 2 (“Very important”),

Ordered logit with random effects

Forest cover (%), Urbanisation level (scale 1–5); Previous education; Knowledge score ≥6; Perceived severity; Perceived susceptibility (Can you get ill and Knowing persons with LB).

j = 1 (“Somewhat important”),

j = 0 (“Not important”)

Protective behaviour

Body check frequency (based on Q12)

j = 2 (“Often”),

Ordered logit with random effects

Forest cover (%), Urbanisation level (scale 1–5); Previous education; Knowledge score ≥6; Perceived severity; Perceived susceptibility (Can you get ill and Knowing persons with LB);Perceived importance.

j = 1 (“Sometimes”),

j = 0 (“Never”)