TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Physicians in Africa Regarding Snakes Envenomation
AUTHORS:
Raphael Okoue Ondo, Ghislain Edjo Nkilly, Vanessa Sagbo Ada, Fabiola Mayoukou, Stephane Oliveira, Wilfried Mouiry, Ulysse Mayegue, Sarah Dondyas, Willy Moussavou, Jean Marcel Mandji Lawson, Romain Tchoua
KEYWORDS:
Envenomation, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Snake Bite
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Emergency Medicine,
Vol.14 No.1,
January
27,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objectives: To assess physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding snake envenomation. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was developed using Google Forms, the link of which was sent via WhatsApp® and Telegram® to healthcare workers. Only general practitioners were included. The assessment of general and specific snake knowledge was based on 7 questions, and the practical level was based on 10 questions. Attitudes were assessed based on the use of guidelines. An overall score was established to classify physicians’ knowledge level. Results: Sixty-six general practitioners were selected, the majority of whom practiced in Gabon (40) and Côte d’Ivoire (14), in university hospitals (39), and had less than 10 years of professional experience (81.8%). The physicians had an average to good overall level of knowledge. There were more significant gaps in knowledge of snakes responsible for envenomation and envenomation syndromes. First aid procedures were generally well understood, unlike the indication for SAV. University training and prior snakebite management were associated with higher levels of knowledge (p = 0.03; p = 0.004 and p = 0.02). No statistical relationship was found between professional experience, practice location, postgraduate training, and level of knowledge. Conclusion: The management of snake envenomation is complicated by several gaps in knowledge among healthcare personnel, demonstrating the need for university and postgraduate training.