A Descriptive Study to Assess The Knowledge Regarding Ebola Virus Disease And it’s Prevention Among The People Residing in Selected Areas of Kudal Taluka with A view to Develop The Information Guide Sheet

 

Mr. Shivagouda. B. Patil1*, Mrs. Suhasinee Rathod2

1Assistant Professor, D. Y. Patil College of Nursing, Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

2Principal and Dean, D. Y. Patil College of Nursing, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

*Corresponding Author Email: shivagoudap@yahoo.in

 

ABSTRACT:

“A Descriptive Study was conducted to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Ebola virus disease and it’s prevention among the people residing in selected area of Kudal Taluka with a view to develop the Information Guide Sheet ”. Ebola virus was first introduced as a possible new “strain” of Marburg virus in 1977 by 2 different research teams. First outbreak was on 26th August 1976 in Yambuku, democratic republic of Congo. The latter was in village situated near the ebola river from which the disease takes its name. The four countries are affected with Ebola virus disease such as western Africa Guinea (393deaths), Sierra Leone (286 deaths), Liberia (282 deaths) and Nigeria (1death).    India which has so far remained unscathed from the virus, has diagnosed a fresh case of it after an Indian resident semen sample showed traces of Ebola virus. The man 26 years old Indian of Deadly viruses is kept in isolation of Delhi’s.  Airport health organization Quarantine centre. People may not know they are infected since symptoms take between two and 21 days to emerge. It is therefore feared an affected person could travel to India from Europe without knowing they had the disease and infect others. A Non-Experimental descriptive design with descriptive approach area used for the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the 60 people staying in selected areas of Pinguli Kudal, taluka. The instruments used for collection were socio-demographic variables. The analysis was done by descriptive statistics. The study results were Majority of the people (31.6%) were in the age group of 46 & above years and 56.6% were males. Majority of the people (68.3%) were married, 13.3% of the peoples had completed primary education, and equal distribution (18.3%) had passed secondary education. About 93.3% of the people were Hindus. About (63.3%) people acquired information from mass media. Overall mean knowledge of peoples obtained was 9.6% and overall knowledge regarding Ebola Virus Disease and its prevention. Majority of the respondents (61.6%) had Average knowledge whereas 23.4% had poor knowledge level and 15% had good knowledge regarding Ebola virus and its prevention.

 

KEYWORDS: Assess; Knowledge; Ebola Virus Disease; Prevent

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Filoviridae is the only known virus family about which we have such profound ignorance. Ebola virus disease is a severe often fetal illness, with a death rate of 90%. The illness affects human and non human primates (Monkeys, Gorillas and Chimpanzees’).1 Ebola virus was first introduced as a possible new “strain” of Marburg virus in 1977 by 2 different research teams. First outbreak was on 26th August 1976 in Yambuku, democratic republic of Congo. The latter was in village situated near the Ebola River from which the disease takes its name.2 The first recorded case was Mabolo Bokela, 44 years old school teacher. The symptoms resembled malaria and subsequent patients received quinine. Transmission has been attributed to re-use of unsterilized needles and close personal contact. Ebola virus disease is a rare severe disease, often fatal, caused by ebola virus. It is transmitted through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids (Saliva, urine from infected person dead or live). This includes unprotected sexual contact with patient upto 7 weeks after they have recovered. You can also catch the disease from direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids from wild animals dead or live, such as monkeys, forest antelopes, roddents and bats.3

 

During an outbreak those at high risk of infection are: with Ebola claiming atleast 932 lives and infecting more than 700 peoples since breaking out in west Africa earlier this year, the World Health Organization has declared it to be a “public health emergency of international concern”. The disease has no vaccine and no specific treatment.4 India which has so far remained unscathed from the virus, has diagnosed a fresh case of it after an Indian recident semen sample showed traces of ebola virus. The man, a 26th years old Indian of Deadly virus is kept in isolation of Delhi’s. Airport health organization Quarantine centre. People may not know they are infected since symptoms take between two and 21 days to emerge. It is therefore feared an affected person could travel to India from Europe without knowing they had the disease and infect others.5 The four countries are affected with Ebola virus disease such as western Africa Guinea (393deaths), Sierra Leone (286 deaths), Liberia (282 deaths) and Nigeria (1death).6 Residents of Vasai in Maharashtra’s Palghar district are recently arrived, from Lago in Nigeria country with symptoms of Ebola.7

 

NEED FOR STUDY:

The Ebola virus causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated. Ebola virus disease (EVD) first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous outbreaks, one in Nzara, Sudan, and the other in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name. 8 Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal viral hemorrhagic disease. The virus can be transmitted by close contact with persons symptomatic with the disease. On the basis of extensive studies of previous outbreaks of Ebola hemorrhagic fever, general travelers in the area are unlikely to contract the disease. However, travelers are advised to take appropriate precautions to prevent infection. These precautions include avoiding direct contact with people who have serious disease and their bodily fluids.9 The current outbreak in west Africa, (first cases notified in March 2014), is the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976. There have been more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined. It has also spread between countries starting in Guinea then spreading across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia, by air (1 traveller only) to Nigeria, and by land (1 traveller) to Senegal. 10 The most severely affected countries, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia have very weak health systems, lacking human and infrastructural resources, having only recently emerged from long periods of conflict and instability. On August 8, the WHO Director-General declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.11 A separate, unrelated Ebola outbreak began in Boende, Equateur, an isolated part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.12 The virus family Filoviridae includes 3 genera: Cuevavirus, Marburgvirus, and Ebolavirus. There are 5 species that have been identified: Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Reston and Taď Forest. The first 3, Bundibugyoebolavirus, Zaire ebolavirus, and Sudan ebolavirus have been associated with large outbreaks in Africa. The virus causing the 2014 west African outbreak belongs to the Zaire species. 13

 

During an outbreak those at high risk of infection are : with ebola claiming atleast 932 lives and infecting more than 700 peoples since breaking out in west Africa earlier this year, the World Health Organization has declared it to be a “ public health emergency of international concern”. The disease has no vaccine and no specific treatment. 14 India which has so far remained unscathed from the virus, has diagnosed a fresh case of it after an Indian recident semen sample showed traces of ebola virus. The man, a 26th years old Indian of Deadly virus is kept in isolation of Delhi’s. Airport health organization Quarantine centre. 15 People may not know they are infected since symptoms take between two and 21 days to emerge. It is therefore feared an affected person could travel to India from Europe without knowing they had the disease and infect others.16 The four countries are affected with Ebola virus disease such as western Africa Guinea (393deaths), Sierra Leone (286 deaths), Liberia (282 deaths) and Nigeria (1death). 17 Residents of Vasai in Maharashtra’s Pilchard district are recently arrived, from Lago in Nigeria country with symptoms of Ebola.18

 

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:

“A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention among the people residing in selected area of Kudal Taluka with a view to develop an Information Guide Sheet.”

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

1.    To assess the knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention.

2.    To find out the significance association between the knowledge score with selected socio-demographic variables.

3.    To develop health education module on Ebola virus disease and its prevention.

 

OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:

Assess:

This refers to the find out or evaluate the knowledge regarding Ebola virus and its prevention among the people.

 

Knowledge:

This refers to the correct responses given by the peoples on their knowledge related to information regarding Ebola virus disease which is measured by a structured questionnaire, and is expressed in terms of knowledge score.

 

Ebola Virus Disease:

Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness which is caused by Ebola virus.

 

Information Guide Sheet:

This refers to structured instructional unit for peoples that includes one or more learning objectives, appropriate learning materials and methods.

 

HYPOTHESIS:

H1:

There is a association between level of knowledge among people regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention and selected socio demographic variables as measured by structured questionnaires, a t 0.05 level of significant.

 

H2:

There will be significant association between pretest knowledge scores with the selected socio-demographic variables at 0.05 level of significance.

 

ASSUMPTIONS:

People may have inadequate knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention.

 

PROJECTED OUTCOME:

People may gain knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention.

 

DELIMITATION:

The study is delimited to the people residing in selected areas of Kudal Taluka.

 

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

Research Approach:

Descriptive survey approach was considered to describe knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention.

 

Research Design:

The research design selected for the study is non- experimental descriptive survey design.

 

Research Setting:

The setting selected for the present study was Pinguli (Kudal), Maharashtra.

 

Population:

In the present study the target population comprised of people residing at Pinguli (Kudal), Maharashtra

 

Sample and Sample Size:

In the present study, sample consisted of 60.

 

Sampling Technique:

The sampling technique used for the study was purposive sampling which is a type of non-probability sampling.

 

Description of the tool:

The interview schedule was constructed in two parts with the details established below.

Part 1:

Consists of 6 items related to demographic data.

 

Part 2:

Consists of 20 items to assess knowledge and Prevention regarding Ebola virus disease.

 

The pilot study was conducted on 6 peoples were selected area of Pinguli from 5th May 2015. Pilot study was done to find out the reliability, practicability and feasibility of the tool. Anonymity and confidentiality was maintained while collecting information. Reliability of the people was defined as the extent to which the people yields the same results in repeated measures. It was then concerned with the consistency, accuracy, precision, stability, equivalence and homogeneity. The tool after validation was subjected to test for its reliability. The paper and pencil test was done to 6 peoples in the selected area of community. The reliability of the tool is computed by using split half technique with the raw score method. The reliability co-efficient found to be 0.70.

 

RESULTS:

Presentation of Data:

The data is presented under the following sections:

 

Section 1:

Findings related to socio-demographic variables.

 

Section 2:

Frequency and percentage distribution of knowledge scores.

 

SECTION 1:

Findings related to socio-demographic variables

 

TABLE 1: Frequency and percentage distribution of peoples residing in Pinguli according to Socio-demographic variables.

Sr. No

Demographic data

Frequency(f)

Percentage %

1.

Age

 

 

 

a)          18-25

16

26.7%

 

b)          26-35

16

26.7%

 

c)          36-45

9

15%

 

d)          46 and above

19

31.6%

2.

Sex

 

 

 

a)          Male

26

43.4%

 

b)          Female

34

56.6%

3.

Religion

 

 

 

a)          Hindu

56

93.3%

 

b)          Muslim

3

5%

 

c)          Christian

0

0%

 

d)          Other

1

1.6%

4.

Education

 

 

 

a)          Primary

8

13.3%

 

b)          SSC

11

18.3%

 

c)          HSC

22

36.6%

 

d)          Graduate

19

31.6%

5.

Marital Status

 

 

 

a)          Unmarried

15

25%

 

b)          Married

41

68.3%

 

c)          Widow

4

6.6%

6.

Source of information

 

 

 

Television

38

63.3%

 

Newspaper

21

35%

 

Radio

1

6.6%

 

 

Graph 1: Pie Graph showing age factor.

 

Graph 2: Pie Graph showing sex factor.

 

Graph 3: Column Graph showing religion

 

 

Graph 4: Pyramid Graph showing education.

 

Graph 5: Cylindrical Graph showing Marital Status.

 

 

 

Graph 6: Column Graph showing source of information.

 

Section 2:

Frequency and percentage distribution of knowledge scores.

 

Table 2: Frequency and percentage distribution of knowledge scores.

Sr. No.

Level of knowledge

Score range

Frequency

Percentage

1.

Good

>65

9

15%

2.

Average

35-65

37

61.7%

3.

Poor

<35

14

23.3%

 

Graph 7: Pie Graph showing the knowledge scores.

Graph 7: reveals that distribution of sample according to knowledge scores among 60 samples, 09 (15%) were good and 37 (61.7%) were average and 14 (23.3 %) were poor.

 

SECTION 3

Table: 3 Association between the knowledge score with socio- demographic variables. (n=60)

Sr. No.

Demographic variables

Good

Average

Poor

X2 cal. value

X2tab. Value

Df

H1

Age (in year)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18-25

2

10

4

 

 

 

 

26-35

2

11

3

3.94

12.59

6

 

36-45

3

5

1

 

 

 

 

46 and above

2

11

6

 

 

 

H2

Sex

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Male

4

14

8

1.533

5.99

2

 

Female

5

23

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H3

Religion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hindu

9

36

11

 

 

 

 

Muslim

0

1

2

6.967

12.59

6

 

Christian

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

Other

0

0

1

 

 

 

H4

Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary

0

6

2

 

 

 

 

S.S.C.

4

3

4

7.089

12.59

6

 

H.S.C.

2

17

3

 

 

 

 

Graduate

3

11

5

 

 

 

H5

Marital Status

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unmarried

2

11

2

 

 

 

 

Married

6

25

10

3.42

9.49

4

 

Widow

1

1

2

 

 

 

H6

Source of Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 T.V.

6

23

9

 

 

 

 

Newspaper

3

13

5

0.674

9.49

4

 

Radio

0

1

0

 

 

 

 

 

The data presented in table 3 reveals that

1.      The calculated x2 value (3.94) was lesser than the tabulated value x2 (12.59) value. Hence there is no association between knowledge of people regarding the Ebola virus disease and its prevention and age.

2.      The calculated x2 value (1.53) was lesser than the tabulated value x2 (5.99) value. Hence there is no association between knowledge of people regarding the Ebola virus disease and its prevention and sex.

3.      The calculated x2 value (6.967) was lesser than the tabulated value x2 (12.59) value. Hence there is no association between knowledge of people regarding the Ebola virus disease and its prevention and religion.

4.      The calculated x2 value (7.089) was lesser than the tabulated value x2 (12.59) value. Hence there is no association between knowledge of people regarding the Ebola virus disease and its prevention and education.

5.      The calculated x2 value (3.429) was lesser than the tabulated value x2 (9.49) value. Hence there is no association between knowledge of people regarding the Ebola virus disease and its prevention and marital status.

6.      The calculated x2 value (0.674) was lesser than the tabulated value x2 (9.49) value. Hence there is no association between knowledge of people regarding the Ebola virus disease and its prevention and source of information.

 

CONCLUSION:

The study was undertaken to assess the knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease with a view to develop an information guide sheet. The research approach used was descriptive survey approach. The research design for the present study was descriptive survey design, in which purposive sampling was used. 60 peoples were interviewed by using structure questionnaire schedule at Kudal Taluka. The results were described by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

 

THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY:

Majority of the people (31.6%) were in the age group of 46 & above years and 56.6% were males. Majority of the people (68.3%) were married. 13.3% of the peoples had completed primary education; equal distribution (18.3%) had passed secondary education. About 93.3% of the people were Hindus. About (63.3%) people acquired information from mass media. Overall mean knowledge of peoples obtained was 9.6% and overall regarding Ebola Virus Disease and its prevention. Majority of the respondents (61.6%) had Average knowledge whereas 23.4% had poor knowledge level and 15% had good knowledge regarding Ebola virus and its prevention. There was no statistical significant association between age, sex, religion, education, marital status and the source of infection, knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention. Overall observation showed that 15% had mean knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention, whereas 61.6%, respondents had Average knowledge and also 23.4% had poor knowledge regarding Ebola virus and its prevention. The findings of the study did not make any association between knowledge with other variables.

 

IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY:

The findings of the study have implications for nursing practice, nursing education, nursing administration and nursing research.

 

Nursing Practice:

Nursing professionals working in the community premises would be able to find out opportunities to teach and to improve the knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention during their working hours. Nurses should place health in the hands of community people especially, in creating awareness in the peoples as they would need a long term care. The information guide sheet developed by the investigator could be used by nurses to educate the peoples about the role of Ebola virus disease and its prevention.

 

Nursing Education:

This study adds to nursing knowledge as it provides for information about knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention. The study gives an ample opportunity for nursing professionals to educate the people. The study emphasizes the significance of short term training for in-service nurses in advanced knowledge on prevention of the Ebola virus disease.

 

Nursing Administration:

Nursing administrators should take part in health policy making, developing protocols and standing order related to Ebola virus disease and its prevention. Nursing administrators should concentrate on proper selection, placement and effective utilization of nurses in all areas, giving opportunity for creativity, creating interest and enhanced ability in educating the peoples.

 

Nursing Research:

This study helps the nurse researcher to develop insight about the development of teaching module and materials for peoples towards promotion of quality life and prevention of Ebola virus disease. Only few studies have been conducted on knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention. This study reveals that there is a dearth of knowledge among community peoples. Such a situation requires further research to explore more knowledge.

 

 

LIMITATIONS:

1.    No broad generalization could be made due to small sample size and limited area of setting.

2.    People who are willing to participate in the study.

3.    People who can read and understand Marathi.

4.    People who are present at the time of data collection.

5.    The study is only limited for the Pinguli village.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1.    A similar study needs to be conducted in other community area in order to draw a generalization.

2.    A similar study may be done with a large sample for generalization of the results.

3.    A similar study may be done to evaluate the effectiveness of structured questionnaire on the knowledge regarding Ebola virus disease and its prevention.

4.    A comparative study may be undertaken to compare the findings with regard to the rural and urban population.

5.    A follow up study may be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the information guide sheet on the people.

 

REFERENCES:

1.     Reprint or corresponds (Dr. C.J. Peters) mailshop A-26 special pathogen Branch division of viral and rickettsial disease, National centre for disease control and prevention, 1600 clifion Rd, Atlanta, GA

2.     Lippincot Williams ndwilkins, “Lipincott Manual of nursing practices “10th edition welter Kluwer (India) Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, page no. 1086-87

3.     Ebola hemorrhagic fever (2012)centre for disease control and prevention, Retrieved June 10, 2012 http://www.healthline.com health/Ebola hemorrhagic fever #overview

4.     https://www.hx-global.com/ebola/ebola-outbreak-2014-2015/

5.     www.mapsofindia.com

6.     http://www.moneylife.in/article/ebola Maharashtra residence

7.     www.Gosouthonline.co.za/Ebola-virus-disease-fact-who.

8.     www.WHO.int/mediancentre/factsheet/fs103/en.

9.     www.yourworldhealthcare.com/upload/docs/Ebola/docs/EBOLAAGUIDANCEFOURTHCREWORKERS.

10.   www.who.int/mediacenter/factsheets/fs103len.

11.   en.wikipedia.org/wiki/filoviridae

12.   www.mapsofindia.com

13.   www.mapsofindia.com

14.   www.rediff.com/news/report/man test positive for Ebola –quarantine –at new Delhi airport/2014

15.   http://www.moneylife.in/article/ebola Maharashtra residence

16.   www.afro.who.int/en/clusters-aprogramme/dpc/epidemic/outbreaknew

17.   phmr.com/wp-content/uploa2014/12/8.pdf-ebola virus disease knowledge, attitude, practice of health care professional in tertiary care hospital. shimoga Karnataka

18.    omicsonline.org/antivirus-antiretroviral-abstract.php? abstract –id=39036

 

 

 

Received on 19.11.2016           Modified on 25.12.2016

Accepted on 14.01.2017         © A&V Publications all right reserved

Int. J. Nur. Edu. and Research. 2017; 5(2): 143-149.

DOI: 10.5958/2454-2660.2017.00030.8