A SURVEY REGARDING AWARENESS ABOUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CHICKENGUNYA AMONG DOCTORS

Abstract

Introduction: Chickengunya is an arboviral disease caused by an alpha virus of togaviridae family which is an RNA virus.(1) This disease has caused a lot of morbodity and some mortaltity.As it is a remerging infection and was not reported in Pakistan before 2016 it was pertinent to conduct a survey amongst doctors regarding its awareness so that special training and awareness workshops may be arranged for doctors to update their knowledge and awareness regarding diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this disease.

Methodology: 50 doctors from two medical teaching institutes of Lahore were surveyed and interviewed regarding various aspects of chickengunya.

Results: Mean age of the doctors included in the survey was 34+/- 4.5 years.22 out of 50(44%) were enrolled in postgraduation training program while 28(56%) were teaching at various cadres in the basic sciences departments of the medical colleges. 19(31%) were doing clinical practice in evening .When the doctors were asked about the disease agent only 22(44%) identified that it. Only 13(26%) knew that the disease is spread through bite of infected mosquitoOnly 13(26%) correctly told about the clinical presentation which was fever and arthralgia. 10(20%) doctors interviewed correctly told that this disease can be diagnosed with serology and only 20(40%) told that treatment is supportive while 30(60%) said they do not know about the treatment. 13(26%) knew correctly that this disease can be prevented by prevention from mosquito bite. When asked whether awareness sessions in the form of workshops is required to fill the gaps in knowledge about the disease all particpants, 50(100%) answered it as yes. Conclusion: Knowlegw regarding various aspects of chickengunya was found inadequate amongst doctors and it was pertinent to arrange workshops to increase their capacity to diagnose and treat the disease.