Publication:

An online cross sectional survey study regarding awareness of thalassemia in students of homoeopathic medical college in rural area of Gujarat

Background Thalassemia is one of the significant public health concerns as the carrier rate and disease numbers are increasing worldwide. The increase in number is because of cognate marriage which has a deep‑rooted norm among many people globally. The objective of this study was to identify knowledge and awareness among the fresher students of homoeopathic medical college in rural area.

Methods An online cross-sectional survey was undertaken in the homoeopathic college in rural area of Gujarat. The questions were in the questionaries analysed to identify differences with sociodemographic variables. Responses to the questions on thalassemia awareness were analysed to identify differences in the domains.

Results Out of the 171 responses received over 5 days, 200 were included for analysis. Awareness regarding thalassemia in college fresher is seen in more from rural area 59%, urban area 39% and tribal 2%. In this survey, as per the questionnaires 83.6% students knew about the disease. When asked about cause of disease i.e. genetic disease 99.4% students knew that. 89.4% students know about thalassemia is transmitted by parents to offsprings.

Conclusions In this survey, it was observed that college students have knowledge about thalassemia but certain myths or misconceptions were also present, and it is also evident that use of screening survey in medical is needed due to lack of awareness of its usefulness in wide range of diseases and disorders.