Knowledge about an emerging disease: Ebola viral fever, among medical professionals in a medical college, South India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20151232Keywords:
Knowledge, Ebola viral fever, Emerging disease, Medical professionalAbstract
Background: Knowledge among health care professionals of any emerging disease, with a potential of causing high morbidity and mortality, is vital to diagnose and manage suspect cases, to prevent transmission and control an outbreak of the disease. This study attempts to assess the essential knowledge of medical professionals in a teaching hospital in South India about key aspects of an emerging disease: Ebola Viral Fever.
Methods: A cross-sectional study using structured, pre-tested questionnaire in a tertiary care Medical College Hospital in South India was conducted in January 2015. Analysis was done using Epi Info 7 and SPSS 16.
Results: Only 6% of the respondents in the study had a good knowledge score, while 72% had moderate knowledge and in 22 % the knowledge was inadequate. The knowledge scores were not based on ‘must know’ essential facts of EVF, which included early diagnosis of suspect cases, appropriate management of diagnosed cases and measures to prevent transmission. This knowledge deficit of essential facts was statistically significant (p<0.001). 86% of the respondents reported print and electronic media as their source of information. Official and government circulars were quoted by only 14%.
Conclusions: The result reveals insufficient knowledge among health professionals about an emerging disease, at a time when it was perceived as an emergency of global importance. This is a pointer to the policy makers in conducting regular Continuing Medical Education sessions and maintaining an effective surveillance system.
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References
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