Knowledge, attitude and practices of snakebite management amongst health workers in Cameroon: Need for continuous training and capacity building.

Fabien Taieb,Jean Philippe Chippaux,Ellen M Einterz,Matthew Lebreton,Timothée Dub,Laura Tondeur,Julien Potet,Yoann Madec,Armand S Nkwescheu,Gabriel Alcoba,Eric Comte,Françoise Ngnedjou Nwabufo Foute,Désiré Tchoffo,Raphael Medang

doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0006716

Abstract

BackgroundSnakebite has only recently been recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO. Knowledge regarding snakebites and its care is poor both at the population level, and at the health care staff level. The goal of this study was to describe the level of knowledge and clinical practice regarding snakebite among health care staff from Cameroon.MethodsA two-day training dedicated to snakebite and its care was organized in 2015 in Yaoundé, capital city of Cameroon. A total of 98 health care staff from all over Cameroon attended the training. Prior to and after the training, an evaluation quantified the attendees’ level of knowledge. Pre- and post-training evaluations were compared to assess knowledge improvement.ResultsOverall, prior to the training knowledge regarding snakebite and care was poor, and wrong beliefs that “pierre noire” or tourniquet were useful in case of snakebite were common. Knowledge was statistically improved after the training.ConclusionTrainings dedicated to all type of health care staff towards snakebite to improve care are needed, this training must take into consideration the context and the targeted population.

Highlights

Worldwide, the burden of envenomation due to snakebites is imprecisely estimated
Prior to the training knowledge regarding snakebite and care was poor, and wrong beliefs that “pierre noire” or tourniquet were useful in case of snakebite were common
Mathematical models estimate of the global number of snakebite envenomation cases range from 420,000 to 2,682,500 annually [1, 2]

Summary

Introduction

The burden of envenomation due to snakebites is imprecisely estimated. Mathematical models estimate of the global number of snakebite envenomation cases range from 420,000 to 2,682,500 annually [1, 2]. In sub-Saharan Africa, the number of persons treated in health centers for snakebite envenomation is estimated at 315,000 cases per year with more than 9,000 amputations and 7,000 deaths, these numbers are probably greatly underestimated [3]. This recently led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare snakebite envenomation a neglected tropical disease [4] opening access to new strategies and resources [5].

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion