Hydatid disease: Knowledge of paramedics

Abstract

<bold>Introduction:</bold> In Tunisia, hydatid cysts are a major public health problem. The governorate of jendouba is among the hyper-endemic regions. Our study aimed to assess knowledge about Hydatid cyst among paramedics in Jendouba regional hospital. <bold>Methods:</bold> In December 2023, We conducted a cross-sectional study among paramedics in Jendouba regional hospital. Results Fifty-four paramedics were included. The mean age was 37±8 years. The sex ratio was 0,17 [8 males, 46 females]. There was 34 nurses (63%), 11 orderlies(20.4%), 3 workers (5.6%), 3 laboratory technicians (5.6%), 2 anaesthetists (3.7%) and one midwife. Fortyone (76%) paramedics knew that hydatid cyst disease is endemic in Tunisia. Only 57,4% of paramedics knew that the involved germ is a parasite, the rest thought it was due to a viral or a bacterial infection. Dogs were considered intermediate hosts in 39% of cases. Others animals reported were sheep (22%) and cats (20%). Humans were considered as intermediate host in 20% of cases. The majority of paramedics (77.8%) knew that the liver was the most affected organ, and only 38.9% knew that other organs besides the liver and lung could be affected. Half (50%) of the individuals taking part in the study answered that the 1st-line treatment was surgery. only 44,4% of them knew that albendazole is the right molecule to use. As for preventive measures, they responded as follows: washing raw vegetables and fruits (74%), hand washing (50%), and abbatory control (5.6%). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Parmedics of Jendouba have a poor knowledge about hydatid cyst. It’s crucial to educate paramedics given their important role in increasing community awarness and preventing this parasitic disease.