Geramie M. Acebuque
Co-author: Arnel F. Nepomuceno, MD, FPCP Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital Tala, Caloocan City, Philippines
Title: Knowledge and Attitude about Leprosy among Staff of a Tertiary Government Hospital in Caloocan City, Philippines
Biography
Biography: Geramie M. Acebuque
Abstract
The fear of leprosy leads to stigma and is due to lack of knowledge about leprosy. 4 The main purpose of this study is to assess knowledge and attitude of a tertiary Hospital staff in Caloocan City, Philippines about leprosy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the staff of a tertiary Hospital in Caloocan City, Philippines. Reason for choosing the staff was to assess their knowledge and attitude about leprosy since this tertiary hospital is formerly known as Central Luzon Sanitarium or Tala Leprosarium which accommodate patients suffering from Hansen’s Disease before the Hospital becomes a Tertiary Hospital treating Medical and Surgical cases.Two hundred and sixty eight individuals completed the questionnaire. More than half 51% of the participants were male (n-137). About 39% (n-104) were from the age group of 31-40 years old. More than half 63% of the participants were college graduates (n-169). About 51% (n-141) were from the medical group. Of the total sample, 15% (n-41) were Doctors, 34% (n-91) were Nurses, 0 % (n-1) were Psychologist, 0% (n-1) were Physical therapist, 1% (n-3) were pharmacist, 1% (n-4) were Medical technologist and 47% (n-127) were from non medical group. Three fourths 79% (n-212) had 1-5 years length of service. The p-value for the test on difference in attitude between medical and non medical staff is .654, which is greater than .05 level of significance. The p-value for the test on difference in knowledge between medical and nonmedical staff is .000, indicating a very small number which is less than .05 level of significance. The medical staff got higher scores on the test of knowledge on leprosy compared to the non medical staff. The knowledge and attitude of a tertiary Hospital staff in Caloocan City, Philippines about leprosy is good. There is a significant difference between medical and non medical staff when it comes to their knowledge towards leprosy. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference between medical and nonmedical staff when it comes to attitude towards leprosy.