What question did this study set out to answer?

To document knowledge, attitudes, and practices of clinicians regarding Lyme disease in western North Carolina.

May 25, 2026

Lyme Disease Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Surveyed Clinicians in Western North Carolina, 2022–2023

Key Points

To document knowledge, attitudes, and practices of clinicians regarding Lyme disease in western North Carolina.
Survey administered to clinicians in western North Carolina
Fisher’s exact test compared knowledge by provider type and experience
Likert-type items assessed attitudes, and open-ended responses identified barriers.
59% (16/27) of participants saw a suspected Lyme case in the past year
Median knowledge score was 59%, with confidence in test interpretation rated low
Identification of erythema migrans differed by tenure (89% for ≤5 years vs. 38% for >5 years, p = 0.014).

Abstract

Introduction: Lyme disease has expanded into western North Carolina. We sought to document knowledge, attitudes, and practices among clinicians in this region. Materials and Methods: A survey was administered to clinicians in western North Carolina. Frequencies summarized Lyme-related care. Fisher’s exact test compared low-knowledge items (5 years: 3/8 38%; p = 0.014). Recognition of when testing is not recommended differed by provider type (physician: 11/20 55%, nurse practitioner: 0/6 0%; p = 0.024). Perceived education barriers included cost, time, and small patient population. Discussion: Overall, knowledge was limited, particularly for diagnostic testing. Clinicians in emerging communities should be prioritized for educational interventions.

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Cite This Study

Pretsch et al. (Sat,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a13e8d20e02ee3982d335eb https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/15303667261453194

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