KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND VACCINATION STATUS OF VARICELLA AMONG STUDENTS OF HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Introduction: Varicella although a common benign childhood disease can be lethal particularly in neonates, geriatric people and immunocompromised people due to its rare but severe complications. Knowledge of this disease and its complications is an integral part of the curriculum for healthcare students. This study was implemented to determine the level of knowledge of varicella and the benets of vaccination among undergraduate students of different healthcare courses. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) with due approval from the research and ethics committee. A Pre designed pre validated 20-point questionnaire was prepared using various related articles obtained from indexed, peer reviewed journals. Convenience sampling was done across the student population at RAKMHSU to assess levels of awareness regarding their knowledge of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment of Chicken Pox. A total 213 students of both gender and different courses were involved the study. Results: All students had reasonable knowledge regarding the clinical symptoms and transmissibility of the disease. Medical students had the highest knowledge about the vaccine and its dosage. Discussion and Conclusion: The study concluded that awareness regarding the vaccine and its potential against Varicella was moderate to low among health sciences students and that there is a denite need for strategic measures to promote knowledge on the subject.