TITLE:
Knowledge of Healthcare Workers Regarding Dengue and Chikungunya in Some Health Facilities of the City of Yaoundé (Cameroon) and Its Neighbourhood
AUTHORS:
Stella Mariette Nana-Ndjangwo, Ruth Mony, Roland Bamou, Gaël Bekono Ango’o, Daina Paola Wantou Tchangou, Parfait Awono-Ambene, Charles Félix Bilong Bilong, Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio
KEYWORDS:
Dengue, Chikungunya, Healthcare Workers Knowledge, Management Practic-es
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Clinical Diagnostics,
Vol.11 No.3,
July
19,
2021
ABSTRACT: Background: Good knowledge of diseases’ epidemiology, diagnostic methods and treatment schemes are critical for early detection and effective management of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks. Here, we assessed knowledge and practices regarding dengue and chikungunya among health care workers of some health facilities of Yaoundé and its surroundings. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August 2020 in 35 health facilities of Yaoundé and its surroundings. Structured pre-tested questionnaire including 11 questions was used to assess healthcare workers’ (i) knowledge on dengue and chikungunya (pathogen, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms) and, (ii) management practices (diagnosis, prevention and treatment measures). Face to face interviews were conducted with healthcare workers including medical doctors, nurses, medical assistants and laboratory assistants. Findings: A total of 232 healthcare workers were interviewed. Despite that 40.95% (n = 95) of respondents had heard about dengue and chikungunya, only 4.74% (n = 11) of them were aware of the fact that both diseases are caused by virus. Also, 9 out of 232 (3.88%) knew that these diseases were transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. About 15.52% (n = 36) were able to give at least 1 clinical symptom related to dengue and chikungunya. The main diagnostic method they knew was Polymerase Chain Reaction (3.02%; n = 7). For prevention, many participants indicated vector control by using insecticide treated bednets or destroying potential breeding sites (14.23%; n = 33). Only few participants 3.88% (n = 9) knew how to manage dengue or chikungunya cases. To improve the management of both diseases, a significant proportion of healthcare workers (37.93%; n = 88) reported being in need of additional training. Conclusion: The poor knowledge regarding dengue and chikungunya among healthcare workers in Yaoundé and its neighbourhood raises the need to intensify sensitization campaigns and training activities towards this personnel.