Jpn. J. Infect. Dis., 65 (5), 403-409, 2012
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Original Article
Qualitative Analysis of the Perception and Acceptability of Pathogen Transport among Housewives Using Focus Group Interviews
Shigeo Iki1*, Itsuko Horiguchi2, Mika Shigematsu3, Tetsutaro Sata4, and Kazuyoshi Sugiyama1
1Division of Biosafety Control and Research and 3Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640; 2Department of Public Health, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421; and 4Toyama Institute of Health, Toyama 939-0363, Japan
(Received June 13, 2011. Accepted June 15, 2012)
*Corresponding author: Mailing address: Division of Biosafety Control and Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan. Tel: +81-3-5285-1111, Fax: +81-3-5285-1184, E-mail: このメールアドレスはスパムボットから保護されています。閲覧するにはJavaScriptを有効にする必要があります。
SUMMARY: We conducted focus group interviews to understand how residents of Japan feel about the transport of pathogens. Twelve randomly selected housewives, who had no special knowledge regarding the topic before the interview, expressed their opinions in 2 separate meetings regarding pathogen transport. The results of the interviews were analyzed by the KJ method. The analysis found that although the transport of pathogens is universally recognized to be necessary, there is not clear consensus on the exact methods of transport, the positive and/or negative value of such information, and how clearly and/or uniquely to label containers, packages, compartments, vehicles, and conditions used for such transportation. Further studies to improve the skills of both the providers and receivers of such information (a technique of risk communication) are necessary.