A Survey of Jellyfish Sting Knowledge among Naval Personnel in Northeast China.

Wenwen Shi,Shuang Li,Ting Kan,Chen Qiu,Yan Huang,Li Gui

doi:10.3390/ijerph13070725

Wenwen Shi, Shuang Li + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13070725

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Abstract

Background: Jellyfish envenomation is common along the coastal area, and can cause severe consequences. Naval personnel are among the high-risk population for this injury. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge regarding jellyfish envenomation among naval personnel in a navy unit in northeast China. Methods: A predesigned questionnaire was distributed to 120 naval members in January 2015. The data of 108 respondents were included in the statistical analysis. Results: We found that 38.0% of the respondents selected jellyfish sting as the common wound in their units, and 13.0% had experienced or observed this injury. In addition, 63.0% of the participants rated their own knowledge as “low” or “none”. The average score they got was 5.77 ± 2.50, with only 16.7% getting a score above 60% of the full score. The correct rates of five questions were below 60%. No statistical differences existed in the knowledge score among different groups of respondents defined by socio-demographic variables. Conclusions: Jellyfish sting is common in this navy unit, but personnel got a low score on the knowledge assessment. They also lacked confidence in first aid. Medical education and training should be implemented to address this issue.

Highlights

Jellyfish are invertebrates distributed in the marine ecosystem throughout the world
Some sting cases are mild without permanent sequelae, while some result in severe consequences including persistent pain, urticaria, vesicular formation, superficial necrosis [5], eye injuries [6], cardiovascular reactions [7], Irukandji syndrome [8], multiple organ dysfunction [9], and even death [10]
Design and Sample In January 2015, one author went to a navy unit in northeast China to investigate the health status and health knowledge of naval personnel

Summary

Introduction

Jellyfish are invertebrates distributed in the marine ecosystem throughout the world. When the hair-like trigger of a cnidocyte is activated by mechanical or chemical stimulation, the organelles in the cnidocyte, called nematocysts, fire stinging barbs and inject venom into the victim [1,2]. This process takes no more than a few microseconds [3], and the nematocysts can discharge even when separated or if the jellyfish is dead [4]. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge regarding jellyfish envenomation among naval personnel in a navy unit in northeast China. The data of 108 respondents were included in the statistical analysis

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Conclusion