Diagnostic proficiency and reporting of Lassa fever by physicians in Osun State of Nigeria.
BMC Infect Dis
; 14: 344, 2014 Jun 20.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24950705
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Lassa fever is highly contagious and commonly results in death. It is therefore necessary to diagnose and report any suspected case of Lassa fever to facilitate preventive strategies. This study assessed the preparedness of physicians in the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever.METHODS:
The study design was descriptive cross-sectional. The consenting medical doctors completed a self-administered questionnaire on the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analyses.RESULTS:
One hundred seventy-five physicians participated in the study. The mean age was 41.5 ± 10.9 years (range, 24-75 years). Most of the physicians were male (78.9%) and had practiced medicine ≥ 20 years (51.5%). Most of the physicians had a good knowledge regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever; however, none of the physicians had ever diagnosed or reported a suspected case. Predictors of good knowledge include male sex, not practicing at a secondary health care level and post graduation year more than 20 years.CONCLUSION:
There is disparity in knowledge and practices of physicians regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever. Thus, it is necessary to improve the knowledge and practices of physicians regarding the diagnosis and reporting of Lassa fever.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Médicos
/
Febre Lassa
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
País como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2014
Tipo de documento:
Article