Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Bozok Tıp Dergisi, cilt.9, sa.4, ss.103-108, 2019 (Hakemli Dergi)
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate experiences and level of knowledge about malaria amongOndokuz Mayis University students from endemic countries.Material and Methods: Face to face questionnaires were conducted asking questions about malariademographic data, basic knowledge of its transmission, treatment, fatality and personal experiencesfrom foreign students coming from countries considered to be malaria endemic by the Center for DiseaseControl and Protection.Results: Of the 750 students from the endemic region, 106 accepted to participate and completed thequestionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 23 (± 3.5) and 77 (72.6%) were male. Thirteen (12.3%)of students from endemic regions stated that malaria was not observed in their countries. Forty nine (45.3%)of the participants had a history of malaria at an average of 2.4 (± 4.5) times during their lifetime. Sevenparticipants had a history of malaria despite the use of chemoprophylaxis. Artemether-lumefantrine (10)and chloroquine (9) were commonly used antimalarials by students. Forty-seven (43.3%) of the participantswere familiar with at least one malaria drug used in prophylaxis. Of them 16% (17) stated that accessibilityto malaria drugs was easy. The question whether malaria is a fatal disease was answered as yes by 84.9% (n= 90) of the participants. Of the twenty medical student participants, 15 had a history of malaria and 70%(14) of them were from Africa. Medical students students stated that malaria was transmitted by; 95%(19) anopheles type mosquito bite, 60% (12) blood transfusion, 70% (14) transmission from mother-toinfant and 15% (3) through organ transplantation.Conclusion: These results indicate that students from endemic areas, including medical students, shouldincrease their knowledge about malaria.