Background:
Herpes zoster (HZ) is an acute highly contagious infection caused by the
varicella-zoster virus (VZV). In India, there is a paucity of population-based
studies and data on herpes zoster in reporting herpes zoster cases. Several
shreds of evidence reflect that the disease causes a burden on population
health in India. Besides several known risk factors, myths, lack of knowledge,
attitude, and practices towards treating this infection may affect the quality
of life and disease burden. Imparting knowledge, awareness regarding myths and
misconceptions, and early approaches for treatment can help prevent disease and
complications in the population. The study aims to evaluate the impact of
herpes zoster infection awareness programs on myths, knowledge, and practices
among the rural population.
Methods: This
study is an interventional study that was conducted over 4 months (July to
October 2023) in the rural population of western Maharashtra and Families of
adopted villages by D.Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur from the rural field
practice area of the medical college. Our study variables were myths about
herpes zoster infection, knowledge about herpes zoster infection, and attitudes
and practices towards the treatment of herpes zoster infection to evaluate the impact
of the health awareness program on it.
Results: The
awareness program which was the intervention in this study, was effective in
increasing the awareness about myths and knowledge about herpes zoster
infection as well as the positive impact related to treatment practices for
herpes zoster infection among the rural population in the adapted villages in
western Maharashtra. For example, this study showed an improvement in the
knowledge of the participants after implementing an awareness program. This study
showed that after the awareness program, 91.30% of people learned it is a viral
disease, and 85.34% learned that it is not a superstitious thing.
Conclusions: The
awareness program which was the intervention in this study, was effective in
increasing the awareness about myths and knowledge about herpes zoster
infection as well as positive impact related to treatment practices for herpes
zoster infection among the rural population in the adapted villages in western
Maharashtra. To change the attitude and clear the myths, need more effort and
faith with more conversation, more visits, interactive sessions, more trained,
competent, and confident students, volunteers, and community support for a
better and more effective impact of this awareness program.
Author(s)details:-
Sagar Goyal
D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
Akshay Salgar
Department of Surgery, LTMGH, and TMMC, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Gayatri G.
Dhavalshankh
Department of Pharmacology, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, India.
Sheetal .
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Sawangi(Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra,
India.
Ganesh P.
Dhavalshankh
Department of Dermatology, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, India.
Archana G.
Dhavalshankh
Department of Pharmacology, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, India.
Please See the book
here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rudhr/v7/7904C
No comments:
Post a Comment