Author:
Mehta Vini,Negi Sapna,Mathur Ankita,Obulareddy Vishnu Teja,Shaik Riyaz Ahamed,Ahmed Mohammed Shakil,Miraj Mohammed
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The recent Marburg virus outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania in March 2023 have sparked fears about potential worldwide spread. Thus, assessing healthcare workers’ (HCW) knowledge of the disease is critical, particularly in India, where the healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed and already has an immense burden of infectious illnesses.
Methods
We carried out a cross-sectional web-based survey among 300 healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The Google survey form was circulated online via email. To recruit participants, a convenience sample technique was utilized. Descriptive and logistic regression was applied to analyse data.
Results
50.9% were aware of Marburg virus disease, and 60.5% had a favourable attitude towards Marburg virus disease (MARVD) control and prevention. Bleeding was cited as the most common clinical symptom of MARVD by 53.3% of participants. Regarding the mode of transmission, 51.6% were aware of how MARVD is spread. Almost all HCWs (99%) claimed they would accept an approved vaccine for themselves, however, the readiness to receive experimental treatments was less certain. The logistic regression model showed gender [female—OR: 2.8 (1.75 to 3.5), p = 0.001] and job roles [pharmacist—OR: 4.1 (2.9 to 7.2), P < 0.001] as predictors of poor KAP about MARVD.
Conclusion
Although there was a high degree of awareness about MARVD, there were notable knowledge gaps and differences in attitudes among healthcare professionals. This underlines the importance of customized training programs for each group to increase healthcare workers’ knowledge of MARVD.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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