Abstract

Objective: ZIKA a biological hazard with severe burden affects the well-being and quality of life of vulnerable populations both at micro and macro level. The present research is aimed at preparedness among health care professionals towards this impending challenge. 

Methods: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, a premier institute for neuro-psychiatric disorders formed the universe for the study. Total sample survey of 285 Undergraduate Nursing students using the WHO-KAP schedule was administered after obtaining informed consent. Their responses were content analysed.

Results: Majority were female, age range of 17 - 23 years. 2 out of 3 considered ZIKA to be a problem. 25% thought that ZIKA could strike in the next 6 months. Majority felt that it is the self, family and other organizations responsibility to protect them from ZIKA. However, 1 out of 4 believed “God has the responsibility to protect us”. Stigmatization and discrimination of persons affected by ZIKA was endorsed by only 1 out of every 6 respondents. A quarter of the respondents believe that there needs to be safe and legal permission for abortion for the identified women.

Interpretation: The study implies the need and importance of training healthcare professionals on ZIKV Disaster Preparedness.

Keywords: ZIKA; Knowledge; Psychosocial Support Preparedness

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Citation

Citation: Vasundharaa S Nair. “Knowledge Among Nursing Students on Zika Preparedness”. Acta Scientific Neurology 3.3 (2020): 17-21.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2020 Vasundharaa S Nair. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.