Lack of Knowledge, Awareness among Gujarati Medical Undergraduates for Swine Flu Epidemic: A Boon to the Disease
Lack of Knowledge, Awareness among Gujarati Medical Undergraduates for Swine Flu Epidemic
Keywords:
swine flu, Gujarati Medium, KnowledgeAbstract
Introduction: Human swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a new strain of influenza virus. knowledge of the precautionary behavior necessary, signs and symptoms, and treatment of this imminent threat. Objective: To study the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical undergraduates students regarding the swine flu epidemic. Method: The present study was a cross-sectional one and was conducted in the month of March-2017 among medical undergraduates. Results: A total of 332 undergraduate medical students participated in this study. 79% were confident that they knew about the H1N1 influenza and about 54% of the students recognized it as a major threat to their health. Media sources like the internet and newspapers were the major sources of information regarding swine flu for about 57% of students. Only 27% of students sought information from senior colleges or professors at the hospital .The symptoms of swine flu as enumerated by the students in descending order were–cough (67%). Around 57% of students know that a H1N1 vaccine is available but only 48% knew the effective drugs used for treatment, out of which only 16 % were aware of the mode of action and side effects produced by the drug. 40% of the medical undergraduates knew about the most prevalent strain of the disease. About 60% of students knew to wear a mask for protection. Around 55.2% know that a simple surgical mask is ineffective and even fewer- 30.2%, knew the amount of time a single mask would be able to protect against the infection Only 16% knew that throat swab needs to be taken for swine flu diagnosis and only 30% of the future prescribers knew the guidelines for management of swine flu according to different categories.Conclusion:With epidemics arising every few years, it is necessary to take steps to ensure that the undergraduates have a through and adequate knowledge. [Bhavi T NJIRM 2017; 8(5):37-40]
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