Public awareness of Lyme disease in obstetric, pediatric, and student settings in northwestern Connecticut.

The purpose of this study has been to survey the attitudes and understandings of Lyme disease by pregnant women, mothers, and ninth-grade students in Northwestern Connecticut. A sample of 100 obstetrical patients from two private obstetric offices, 100 mothers from four private pediatric offices, and 200 students from four secondary schools was asked to complete a 15 question survey about Lyme disease. In all groups, the responses indicated some misconceptions or a lack of knowledge about the manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease, as well as about the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi. This information indicates that better public education about Lyme disease is important.