Zika virus, an emerging threat: evaluation of awareness among medical students and health care workers in a public- sector university | Pakistan Journal of Pathology 2017

Author(s)

Tooba Ali Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Yameenah Farrukh Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Fauzia Imtiaz Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Mukkarum Ali Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Arif Ali Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To find out awareness of Zika virus among medical students and health care workers. Study design: Cross sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: A cross sectional survey was conducted in a Public Sector Medical College of Karachi to evaluate and compare knowledge between medical students, house officers and residents, during the period of May-Dec 2016. Materials and Methods: Questionnaire was designed to assess participant's knowledge, attitude and approach towards this disease. The sample size was calculated by open epi online software giving a value of 587. The sampling technique used in this survey is nonrandom purposive type. The data was entered and analyzed on SPSS-version 16.0 using Chi-Square test and unpaired T-test. Interpretation was done using x and p values. Mean knowledge score for every group was then calculated to ascertain the level of existing knowledge. Results: Total of 587 participants consented to fill the questionnaire in the study, out of which 523 questionnaires were completely responded to. The response rate is 89%. Among them 71% were females and 29% were male. 62.3% of the participants were aware about the threat of zika virus, with the most common source of information (51.5%) being internet. Conclusion: The healthcare professionals have the awareness about the zika virus. On evaluation, a remarkably sound level of knowledge was ascertained among Residents, House Officers and medical students. However further awareness about disease control and diagnosis is of vital importance.

Publication Details

Page(s) 176-180

DOI DOI not available

Published Journal: Pakistan Journal of Pathology, Volume: 28, Issue: 4, Year: 2017

Keywords

Zika virus Health care workers Awareness medical students

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