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Journal of Community Health
Published in: Journal of Community Health 6/2019

01-12-2019 | Cimex Lectularius | Original Paper

Risk Factors for Bed Bugs Among Urban Emergency Department Patients

Authors: Johnathan M. Sheele, Cameron J. Crandall, Brandon F. Chang, Brianna L. Arko, Colin T. Dunn, Alejandro Negrete

Published in: Journal of Community Health | Issue 6/2019

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Abstract

Bed bugs are a significant and under-studied public health nuisance. We surveyed 706 emergency department patients and found bed bug infestations were more likely (p < 0.05) among subjects having persons 19–64 years of age in the house, living in a group home, a previous history with bed bugs, and knowing someone who currently has bed bugs. Sleeping in a hotel, recent homelessness, obtaining used clothing or furniture and using a laundromat were not associated with increased risk (p > 0.05) for infestation. Individuals with less education and income were more likely (p < 0.05) to have bed bugs and express concern about getting bed bugs. Younger persons were more likely to correctly identify a picture of a bed bug compared to those over the age of 60 years (p < 0.001).
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Metadata
Title
Risk Factors for Bed Bugs Among Urban Emergency Department Patients
Authors
Johnathan M. Sheele
Cameron J. Crandall
Brandon F. Chang
Brianna L. Arko
Colin T. Dunn
Alejandro Negrete
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Community Health / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0094-5145
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3610
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-019-00681-2

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