Zeitschrift für Forschung und Entwicklung im Bereich Gesundheitserziehung

Pakistani Healthcare Practitioners’ Understanding of the Zika Virus Disease

Abstract

Wajiha Iffat, Sadia Shakeel and Fatima Fasih

The current study aims to assess the knowledge of healthcare practitioners regarding Zika virus disease in Karachi, Pakistan. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted from January 2016 to April 2016. The study population were physicians selected by non probability convenience sampling technique and were rendering their services in different hospitals and clinics of Karachi. Among the study participants, 41.4% considered themselves not very conversant about Zika virus. Medical literature (50%) and mass media (32%) were the major sources of health information. Approximately 75% did not know the availability of vaccine against Zika virus disease whereas 72.07% were not well versed with the availability and mode of treatment. Around 78% and 22% believed that mosquito bite and body fluid and secretions are the major source of infection respectively. It is concluded that our physicians are not well versed with the Zika virus disease. There is a need to advance the knowledge and understanding of Zika virus disease among physicians as they symbolize a well-informed component of society and healthcare structure. Furthermore, well-organized educational programs are necessary to expand appropriate awareness of public as regards Zika virus disease.