Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 5(3), pp. 93 - 96
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2017.050302
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Assessment of Knowledge of Medical Students on an Important Health Issue Neagleria Flowri Infection at a Medical College of Karachi, Pakistan


Syed Ijlal Ahmed 1,*, Syeda Beenish Bareeqa 2, Munazza Suherwardy Obaid 3, Saad Qureshi 2, Samra Khan 2, Sara Memon 2
1 Liaquat National Medical College and Hospital, Pakistan
2 Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Pakistan
3 Department of Public Health, Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Background: Since 2005 Neagleria Flowri infection appeared as a major health issue in Karachi, Pakistan. Most infections were acquired due to swimming in fresh water, ablution with fresh stagnant water. Our objective was to assess the knowledge of medical students regarding this important health issue and to highlight any deficiencies in medical education system. Material and methods: It was a prospective cross sectional study conducted at a medical college of Karachi, Pakistan. The sample size was calculated and sampling technique was randomized stratified sampling. Knowledge of the students was assessed through designed questionnaire. The data was recorded and analyzed on SPSS vs 21. Results: Our study included 250 medical students from five years of medical school. The highest response was recorded from final year regarding type of organism and habitat. Regarding treatment of Naegleria most correct response was from 4th year MBBS. Most final years answered correctly regarding the ablution as risk factor. The knowledge of medical students regarding incubation period of Neagleria was generally low. Conclusion: The knowledge of medical students regarding this significant medical issue appears low. The response of medical students was generally poor regarding treatment of infection, incubation period of infection and earliest presenting symptom of infection. Important measures should be taken to improve the knowledge of medical students regarding this significant health issue.

KEYWORDS
Neagleria, Ablution, Medical Students

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Syed Ijlal Ahmed , Syeda Beenish Bareeqa , Munazza Suherwardy Obaid , Saad Qureshi , Samra Khan , Sara Memon , "Assessment of Knowledge of Medical Students on an Important Health Issue Neagleria Flowri Infection at a Medical College of Karachi, Pakistan," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 93 - 96, 2017. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2017.050302.

(b). APA Format:
Syed Ijlal Ahmed , Syeda Beenish Bareeqa , Munazza Suherwardy Obaid , Saad Qureshi , Samra Khan , Sara Memon (2017). Assessment of Knowledge of Medical Students on an Important Health Issue Neagleria Flowri Infection at a Medical College of Karachi, Pakistan. Universal Journal of Public Health, 5(3), 93 - 96. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2017.050302.