Knowledge of Tunisian medical personnel on the prevention of imported malaria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i6.4953Keywords:
Malaria , Travel , Prevention , Assessment , Chemoprophylaxis, Physicians , TunisiaAbstract
Introduction : Malaria remains one of the most widespread parasitic diseases in the world. It is crucial for medical personnel to be well-informed about the preventive methods of imported malaria in order to effectively fulfill their role.
Aim: To assess the knowledge of medical personnel regarding anti-vectorial prophylaxis and anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis.
Methods: From December 1st to December 20th, 2023, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among Tunisian medical staff using an anonymous questionnaire through Google Forms to evaluate their understanding of three key areas: malaria prevention during travel, chemoprophylaxis, and available prevention measures in Tunisia.
Results: Two hundred and five responses were included in the study. The average age of the participants was 31.5±6.6 years with a gender ratio of 0.47. The participants consisted of young doctors (64.4%) and senior doctors (35.6%). The majority of the respondents were specialist doctors (87.3%) practicing in Tunisia (93.2%). On a total score of 40 points, the average evaluation score was 19.1±5.6 points. More than half (57.6%) had a score below the average. The knowledge about the prevention of imported malaria was categorized as excellent (4.4%), good (38%), fair (55.1%), and limited (2.5%). The data analysis revealed that doctors working in the public sector (p=0.009), specialists in infectious diseases and parasitology, and doctors with expertise in travel medicine (p<0.001) had better knowledge. On the other hand, family doctors had a lower level of knowledge (p=0.003).
Conclusions: Gaps in the knowledge of Tunisian doctors regarding imported malaria prevention were identified. ....(abstract truncated at 250 words).
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