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):

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

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

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

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

5. 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.

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

References:

References are not available for this document.

Citations

Citations are not available for this document.

Citations

Downloads

Views