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Table 1 Cockroach KAP questions and relationship to Health Beliefs Model

From: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning cockroach exposure among caregivers of children with asthma

Knowledge

Health Beliefs Model Construct

1. Health risks of pesticides

 a. Exposure to some pesticides may interfere with the nervous system.

Knowledge

 b. Smelling an odor does not necessarily mean over-exposure to pesticides.

Knowledge

 c. Long-term exposure to pesticides, at low levels, is not safe.

Knowledge

 d. Boric acid can be hazardous.

Knowledge

2. The following are health risks and habits of cockroaches:

 a. Contact with cockroaches does not hurt skin.

Knowledge

 b. Cockroaches do not give off harmful vapors.

Knowledge

 c. Cockroaches do not worsen Tuberculosis conditions.

Knowledge

 d. About 10% of people are allergic to cockroaches.

Knowledge

 e. Persons with asthma are much more likely to have allergic reactions to cockroaches than non-asthmatics.

Knowledge

 f. Cockroaches prefer dark, tight spaces.

Knowledge

3. These factors contribute to cockroach infestation:

 a. Leaving grease on the stove overnight.

Knowledge

 b. Leaving dirty dishes out overnight.

Knowledge

 c. Keeping windows open.

Knowledge

 d. Leaving food debris on the floor overnight.

Knowledge

 e. Storing food in open packages in the cupboard.

Knowledge

 f. Having a leaky tap.

Knowledge

 g. Having a toilet that runs all the time.

Knowledge

 h. Storing open bags of pet food.

Knowledge

 i. Not having cracks or holes sealed around plumbing.

Knowledge

4. Familiarity with cockroach bait method

 a. Cockroach bait is one type of pest control method

Knowledge

5. Effectiveness/desirability of alternatives

 a. Cockroach baiting can be just as effective as spraying in controlling roaches.

Attitudes: Perceived Barriers

 b. Cockroach baiting can be just as convenient as spraying in controlling roaches.

Attitudes: Perceived Barriers

 c. I support safer methods other than spraying, even if they are slower-acting.

Attitudes: Perceived Barriers

 d. I expect the safest method of pest control to be used, even if it is twice as expensive.

Attitudes: Perceived Barriers

6. Concern about spraying

 a. I have concerns about spraying in the home.

Attitudes: Perceived Benefits

 b. Spraying is not the best way to eliminate cockroaches.

Attitudes: Perceived Benefits

7. Concern about Cockroaches

 a. I have concerns about health risks from cockroach infestation.

Attitudes: Perceived Susceptibility

 b. I have concerns about seeing a cockroach in my home.

Attitudes: Perceived Severity

 c. I have concerns about cockroaches in my home, even if not visible.

Attitudes: Perceived Severity

 d. Cockroaches may be a problem, even in homes where people are tidy.

Attitudes: Perceived Susceptibility

8. Recognition/management of cockroach problems

 a. I would not just put up with cockroach problems; I would do something.

Practice

 b. I would not use my own pest control product such as a spray or bait.

Practice

9. Prevention of cockroach infestation

 a. I clean crumbs soon after eating.

Practice

 b. I clean dishes soon after eating.

Practice

 c. I sweep the kitchen floor before bedtime.

Practice

 d. I store food containers in the cupboard.

Practice

 e. I clean grease off the stove before bedtime.

Practice

 f. I rinse food off dishes if left unwashed overnight.

Practice

 g. I thoroughly clean the kitchen/bathroom weekly.

Practice

 h. I watch for cockroaches which might be brought home with groceries.

Practice