Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and aims: Strongyloidiasis, a neglected tropical disease highlighted in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Roadmap 2021-2030 for prevention and control, poses significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals.A lack of awareness and knowledge among physicians can lead to poor management and hinder the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.This study assessed physicians' knowledge and factors influencing their management of strongyloidiasis. Materials and methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 physicians working at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) who have experience managing chronic and immunocompromised patients.A validated questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms after consent, using multistage and universal sampling.The questionnaire had three sections: socio-demographic, familiarity with strongyloidiasis, and knowledge of Strongyloides infection.Knowledge scores were categorised as low or moderate to good based on Bloom's taxonomy.The analysis was performed using SPSS (version 27.0) for descriptive and statistical analysis.Results: Overall, most participating physicians (59%) exhibited low knowledge of strongyloidiasis.Higher knowledge levels were found among those familiar with the disease (50%), treating immunocompromised patients (45%), and attending tropical disease training (56%), but none were statistically significant (p > 0.05).Additionally, although 38% of physicians had experience treating strongyloidiasis and 40% possessed advanced academic qualifications, these factors did not result in significantly higher knowledge scores, likely due to the small sample size.Alarmingly, 59% and 61% of participants confidently selected incorrect answers regarding diagnosis and treatment, respectively, instead of opting for "unsure," raising concerns about potential mismanagement of strongyloidiasis cases.Conclusion: This study highlights a significant knowledge gap in strongyloidiasis among physicians at HCTM.We recommend integrating strongyloidiasis into the medical curriculum and enhancing specialised training and clinical exposure to ensure physicians are well-informed and actively engaged in managing strongyloidiasis.
Source: Medicine & health
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405764132