Knowledge and attitude regarding Ebola virus disease among medical students of Rawalpindi: A preventable threat not yet confronted

Authors

  • Aliya Hisam Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS)
  • Mariam Nadeem Rana
  • Mahmood-Ur-Rahman .

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.324.9898

Keywords:

Attitude, Ebola Virus Disease, Knowledge, Students.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude regarding Ebola virus disease (EVD) among medical students of Rawalpindi.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in a medical college of Rawalpindi from September 2014-November 2014. About 400 students were inducted with 77% (n=308) response rate. After taking informed verbal consent from students and administration, a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was circulated among students of third, fourth and final year MBBS as well as third and fourth year BDS. The data collected was entered and analyzed using SPSS 20.

Results: The response rate was 77% (308/400). About 244 (79.2%) of students had heard about EVD before. One hundred and sixty four (53.2%) of the students correctly identified that no treatment is available for EVD as yet. Also 163 (52.9%) said that no vaccine was available against the virus either. Washing hands every time after touching a patient in clinics/wards was important for 151 (49.0%) while 223 (72.4%) claimed to use proper techniques to dispose off used injections.

Conclusion: Students have basic knowledge regarding EVD. However, there is deficient information regarding the diagnosis and precautionary measures required to control it.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.324.9898

How to cite this:Hisam A, Rana MN, Mahmood-Ur-Rahman. Knowledge and attitude regarding Ebola virus disease among medical students of Rawalpindi: A preventable threat not yet confronted. Pak J Med Sci. 2016;32(4):1015-1019.

Author Biography

Aliya Hisam, Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS)

Assistant Professor  in Community Medicine Department,

Army Medical College,

Rawalpindi

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Published

2016-08-13

How to Cite

Hisam, A., Rana, M. N., & ., M.-U.-R. (2016). Knowledge and attitude regarding Ebola virus disease among medical students of Rawalpindi: A preventable threat not yet confronted. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 32(4). https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.324.9898