Medical students' knowledge level about Ebola

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about Ebola viral disease among medical students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among fourth-year and sixth-year students at the faculties of medicine in Belgrade and Kragujevac. Anonymous questionnaire was used containing data about social and demographic characteristics of students and data about epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Ebola, possibility of its prevention and protection of health care workers. A total of 858 medical students (401 fourth-year and 457 sixth-year students) filled in the questionnaire. Fourth-year students showed better knowledge about fruit bats as a natural reservoir of Ebola virus (p<0.001). They also showed better knowledge about transmission by direct or indirect contact with bodily fluids (91.1% vs. 79.7%, p<0.001) or sexual contact (43.9% vs. 30.8%, p<0.001), as well as that the infected person is not contagious during the incubation period (31.8% vs. 9.8%, p<0.001). Sixth-year students showed better knowledge about the first symptoms of Ebola, about therapy (69.1% vs. 80.3%, p<0.001) and about personal protective equipment for healthcare workers (88.9% vs. 93.1%, p=0.04). Fourth-year students expressed significantly higher interest in need for further education about Ebola viral disease (p=0.016). Given the current Ebola epidemic, which is still ongoing, as well as the possibility to introduce this disease into our country, there is a need for further education of medical students about Ebola.