Awareness and Knowledge of Chikungunya Virus Infection Among Healthcare Workers in Hulu Langat District
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2024
Abstract
As Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection continues to rise globally, including in Malaysia, it is essential for healthcare workers (HCWs) to have adequate knowledge about the disease for diagnostic accuracy and to improve public health surveillance systems. This study aimed to assess awareness and measure the level of knowledge of CHIKV infection among HCWs in the Hulu Langat district and explore associated sociodemographic and skill-related factors. This was a cross-sectional study in which the questionnaire was physically distributed to participants using the universal sampling method. All participants (100%) were aware of CHIKV infection, and most (80.1%) had knowledge of the disease. Furthermore, networks such as professional members, family, and friends (27.8%), followed by professional development programs (23.1%), were identified as the common platforms utilized by HCWs to access information regarding CHIKV infection. Ordinal logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that the level of education (odds ratio OR] = 2.23, 95% confidence interval CI] 1.14, 4.35]) and HCWs who attended Continuing Medical Education (CME)/courses on CHIKV infection (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.00, 3.01]) and had experience in handling the case (OR = 3.23, 95% CI 1.44, 7.28]) were significantly associated with awareness and knowledge of the disease. Implementing continuous education and training can enhance HCWs' understanding of CHIKV infection.
Keywords
awareness, knowledge, Chikungunya virus infection (CHIKV), healthcare workers, Malaysia
Divisions
Socialprevent
Funders
Hulu Langat District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Publication Title
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume
36
Issue
5
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Publisher Location
2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 USA