Knowledge and Perception Towards Zika Outbreak In A Dental Institute

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the level of knowledge and perception towards Zika virus (ZIKA) outbreak in a dental institute as this vector borne virus has become a major public health concern worldwide. Materials and Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted among 177 persons including interns, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) faculty. A wide variety of questions on the study topic including, basic knowledge and other characteristic features of ZIKA virus and its prevention and treatment modalities. Student's t test and One way ANOVA were used to find the significance at p<0.05.Results: Overall 61.7% had correct views about ZIKA outbreak. The findings showed that 90% participants possessed knowledge about the viral origin of the condition. It was further revealed that almost 88% practitioners were aware about the mosquito bite to be the main cause of the spread of ZIKA infection. Moreover, only 29% correctly responded about the incubation period of ZIKA virus. It was also noticed that female participants had greater knowledge regarding ZIKA. The results showed significant differences in the mean values according to the level of education. Conclusion:It was revealed that all the participants had adequate knowledge on the topic of ZIKA and the scores almost increased with proceeding age and education.

Zika virus disease knowledge among the future health-care providers of the United Arab Emirates

“…The mean knowledge score of the study population was 10.48 ± 2.48. This result is in line with a study conducted in a dental institute in India[ 13 ] where the mean knowledge score of the participants was 11.73 ± 4.158.…”

“…Majority of the participants (75.4%) were aware of the fact the ZIKV disease is transmitted by mosquito bite. Similar findings were reported by studies conducted among mixed population of students and faculty in the Middle East country[ 10 ] (73.3%), dental students in India[ 13 ] (88%) and general public in Malaysia[ 9 ] (85.8%).…”

“…These results are in line with recent studies conducted in different populations; medical students in Saudi,[ 14 ] health-care workers in Indonesia,[ 8 ] and dental practitioners in India. [ 7 ] In contrast, a study conducted in India among dental students[ 13 ] reported that the majority of the participants good possessed knowledge about ZIKV disease.…”

“…A number of recent studies have been published evaluating the awareness regarding ZIKV disease in different populations,[ 7 8 9 10 11 12 ] but there are very few studies on the awareness of ZIKV disease among medical and health sciences university students. [ 13 14 ] The paucity in research data on awareness of ZIKV disease in the UAE has led to this study.…”

Knowledge and perceptions about Zika virus in a Middle East country

“…In contrast to our results, all the participants in this study demonstrated adequate knowledge on the topic of Zika and the scores almost increased with proceeding age and education. This survey was however limited to health care professionals [ 14 ]. In another self-administered internet based survey, 442 members of doctor organizations in Aceh province, Indonesia, demonstrated relatively low knowledge about Zika infection.…”