Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding epidemiology and management of travelers' diarrhea: a survey of front-line providers in Iraq and Afghanistan

Mil Med. 2005 Jun;170(6):492-5. doi: 10.7205/milmed.170.6.492.

Abstract

To evaluate the relationship between medical knowledge and clinical practice, a survey on travelers' diarrhea was administered to military health care providers attending a professional development and trauma management conference. The survey was administered at the beginning of the conference and 58 of the 76 attendees participated by completing a questionnaire. Respondents were aware of the standard definition of travelers' diarrhea; however, their knowledge about the epidemiology and management of travelers' diarrhea was low. Less than one-third correctly answered questions on etiology and more than two-thirds made incorrect management choices in treatment of mild to moderate watery diarrhea and dysentery. Important knowledge gaps about gastroenteritis were identified and should serve as a basis to develop military-specific clinical guidelines and training programs.

MeSH terms

  • Afghanistan
  • Diarrhea / etiology*
  • Diarrhea / therapy
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Personnel / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Iraq
  • Military Medicine / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Travel
  • Warfare