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Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of Community Pharmacists to Zika Virus Infection in Klang Valley, Malaysia
1Biopharmaceutical Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, SEGi University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Background:
Zika fever is a mosquito-borne disease with global health concern. It has been underreported or misdiagnosed due to its unspecific clinical manifestations, including mild-influenza like and subclinical symptoms. However, its associated serious complications which include fetal microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome remained a challenge to the public health sectors. This research aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and perception toward Zika virus infection among community pharmacists in the Klang Valley of Malaysia and to determine the association between the knowledge of Zika virus infectious disease and years of community practice experience among community pharmacists in this region.
Methods:
This survey research was conducted from August to December 2018 through a pre-tested, self-administration, and cross-sectional random convenient sampling at various districts in the Klang Valley. A total of 275 registered community pharmacists were involved in this study by completing a pilot-tested questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze the data.
Results:
The knowledge toward Zika virus infection of respondents was classified into "poor" (5.1%), "basic" (70.9%), and "broad" (24.0%). Most of the participants (n = 195, 70.9%) presented with basic knowledge toward Zika virus infection. A total of 268 (97.5%) participants presented with high awareness toward Zika virus infection. The mean score of respondents' knowledge and awareness was 15.88 ± 3.61 (maximum score = 28) and 13.96 ± 1.60 (maximum score = 16), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the years of practice of community pharmacists and the level of knowledge toward Zika virus infection.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, our respondents demonstrated a basic level of knowledge and high awareness toward Zika virus infection. Also, we highlighted some possible pitfalls in the knowledge of Zika virus infection, including the virus transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and complications of the disease.
Insights
Community pharmacists in Malaysia have basic knowledge but high awareness of Zika virus infection. Years of experience correlate with better understanding of this mosquito-borne disease.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Zika fever is a mosquito-borne illness of global concern, often underreported due to non-specific symptoms.
- Serious Zika virus complications, such as fetal microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome, pose significant public health challenges.
- Understanding community pharmacist knowledge is crucial for managing Zika virus infection outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge, awareness, and perception of Zika virus infection among community pharmacists in Malaysia's Klang Valley.
- To investigate the relationship between community pharmacists' years of practice and their knowledge of Zika virus infectious disease.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to December 2018 in the Klang Valley.
- 275 registered community pharmacists completed a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire.
- Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test.
Main Results:
- Most pharmacists (70.9%) had basic knowledge of Zika virus infection, with 5.1% having poor knowledge and 24.0% having broad knowledge.
- A high level of awareness (97.5%) regarding Zika virus infection was observed among participants.
- A significant association was found between the years of practice of community pharmacists and their knowledge level regarding Zika virus infection.
Conclusions:
- Community pharmacists in the Klang Valley demonstrate a basic understanding and high awareness of Zika virus infection.
- Identified knowledge gaps exist concerning Zika virus transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and complications.
- Further education is recommended to address specific knowledge deficits and enhance pharmacist preparedness for Zika virus management.
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