Eman Y Abu-Rish1, Eman R Elayeh2, Michael J Browning3. 1. Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. e.aburish@ju.edu.jo. 2. Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. emanelayeh@gmail.com. 3. Department of Immunology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, United Kingdom. mjb22@leicester.ac.uk.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Zika virus (ZIKAV) disease is a public health problem of international concern. Recent evidence has documented imported ZIKAV cases into the Middle East and the existence of ZIKAV-transmitting mosquitoes in Jordan. However, limited data exist on the role of physicians in public awareness in this regard. This study aimed to assess ZIKAV knowledge, attitudes and counseling practices (KAP) of general physicians and gynecologists in Amman, Jordan. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study, a structured paper-based questionnaire was completed by 119 participants during 2016-2017. RESULTS: Only 4.2% of the physicians correctly addressed ZIKAV-complication questions. A misconception of considering direct contact between individuals and breastfeeding as modes of ZIKAV transmission was observed. Only one participant correctly recognized that isolation of infected or exposed persons is not recommended. Having at least five years of experience in medical practice was the only factor that was significantly associated with a high knowledge score (P-value=0.011). Although prevention measures are the sole method to control ZIKAV spread, only 50% of participants believed in the efficacy of such measures. Despite a quarter of participants perceiving ZIKAV as a threat to their patients, none of them have counseled a patient in this regard before. The presence of an evidence of ZIKAV in Jordan and health authorities' recommendations were the most important predictors for adoption of counseling practice. CONCLUSIONS: General physicians and gynecologists in Jordan had several gaps in knowledge of key aspects of ZIKAV disease, and there is a need for specific training programs of physicians and gynecologists. Copyright (c) 2019 Eman Y Abu-rish, Eman Elayeh, Michael Browning.
INTRODUCTION:Zika virus (ZIKAV) disease is a public health problem of international concern. Recent evidence has documented imported ZIKAV cases into the Middle East and the existence of ZIKAV-transmitting mosquitoes in Jordan. However, limited data exist on the role of physicians in public awareness in this regard. This study aimed to assess ZIKAV knowledge, attitudes and counseling practices (KAP) of general physicians and gynecologists in Amman, Jordan. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study, a structured paper-based questionnaire was completed by 119 participants during 2016-2017. RESULTS: Only 4.2% of the physicians correctly addressed ZIKAV-complication questions. A misconception of considering direct contact between individuals and breastfeeding as modes of ZIKAV transmission was observed. Only one participant correctly recognized that isolation of infected or exposed persons is not recommended. Having at least five years of experience in medical practice was the only factor that was significantly associated with a high knowledge score (P-value=0.011). Although prevention measures are the sole method to control ZIKAV spread, only 50% of participants believed in the efficacy of such measures. Despite a quarter of participants perceiving ZIKAV as a threat to their patients, none of them have counseled a patient in this regard before. The presence of an evidence of ZIKAV in Jordan and health authorities' recommendations were the most important predictors for adoption of counseling practice. CONCLUSIONS: General physicians and gynecologists in Jordan had several gaps in knowledge of key aspects of ZIKAV disease, and there is a need for specific training programs of physicians and gynecologists. Copyright (c) 2019 Eman Y Abu-rish, Eman Elayeh, Michael Browning.
Entities:
Keywords:
Aedes; Health personnel; Jordan; Middle East; ZIKA virus; arboviruses