Public awareness of melioidosis in Thailand and potential use of video clips as educational tools
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Praveen Chansrichavala1, Nittayasee Wongsuwan1, Suthee Suddee2
1Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Background:
Melioidosis causes more than 1,000 deaths in Thailand each year. Infection occurs via inoculation, ingestion or inhalation of the causative organism (Burkholderia pseuodmallei) present in soil and water. Here, we evaluated public awareness of melioidosis using a combination of population-based questionnaire, a public engagement campaign to obtain video clips made by the public, and viewpoints on these video clips as potential educational tools about the disease and its prevention.
Methods:
A questionnaire was developed to evaluate public awareness of melioidosis, and knowledge about its prevention. From 1 March to 31 April 2012, the questionnaire was delivered to five randomly selected adults in each of 928 districts in Thailand. A video clip contest entitled "Melioidosis, an infectious disease that Thais must know" was run between May and October 2012. The best 12 video clips judged by a contest committee were shown to 71 people at risk from melioidosis (diabetics). Focus group interviews were used to evaluate their perceptions of the video clips.
Results:
Of 4,203 Thais who completed our study questionnaire, 74% had never heard of melioidosis, and 19% had heard of the disease but had no further knowledge. Most participants in all focus group sessions felt that video clips were beneficial and could positively influence them to increase adherence to recommended preventive behaviours, including drinking boiled water and wearing protective gear if in contact with soil or environmental water. Participants suggested that video clips should be presented in the local dialect with simple words rather than medical terms, in a serious manner, with a doctor as the one presenting the facts, and having detailed pictures of each recommended prevention method.
Conclusions:
In summary, public awareness of melioidosis in Thailand is very low, and video clips could serve as a useful medium to educate people and promote disease prevention.
Presented In Part:
World Melioidosis Congress 2013, Bangkok, Thailand, 18-20 September 2013 (abstract OS VII-04).
Insights
Public awareness of melioidosis in Thailand is critically low, with most people unaware of this deadly disease. Educational video clips show promise for improving public knowledge and promoting prevention strategies against melioidosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health Communication
- Health Education
Background:
- Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, results in over 1,000 annual deaths in Thailand.
- Transmission occurs through inoculation, ingestion, or inhalation of the bacterium found in soil and water.
- Low public awareness poses a significant challenge to melioidosis prevention efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of public awareness regarding melioidosis in Thailand.
- To evaluate the potential of public-generated video clips as educational tools for disease prevention.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted among 4,203 adults in Thailand.
- A public engagement campaign involved a video clip contest on melioidosis awareness.
- Focus group interviews assessed the perceptions of at-risk individuals regarding the educational video clips.
Main Results:
- 74% of respondents had never heard of melioidosis; 19% had heard of it but lacked knowledge.
- Participants found video clips beneficial for promoting preventive behaviors like drinking boiled water and using protective gear.
- Suggestions for effective video content included local dialects, simple language, a serious tone, and expert presentation.
Conclusions:
- Public awareness of melioidosis in Thailand is alarmingly low.
- Video clips are a viable and effective medium for public education and promoting melioidosis prevention.
- Targeted health communication strategies are crucial for reducing the burden of melioidosis.
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