Assessment of the Knowledge Levels of University Students in Health Sciences Regarding Parasitic Diseases.

OBJECTIVE

A comprehensive understanding of parasitic diseases, which affect both human and animal health, is crucial for university students in health sciences as they prepare for their future roles as healthcare professionals. This study aims to assess the knowledge levels of university students in health sciences regarding parasitic diseases.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted with 498 students from the faculty of health sciences and the vocational school of health services at a state university in the Marmara Region. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included socio-demographic information and questions assessing students' knowledge of parasitic diseases. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0®, with a significance level set at p≤0.05.

RESULTS

The participants had a mean age of 20.84±2.63 years, and 82.3% were female. A total of 80.9% of the students lived with their parents, and 73.7% reported a moderate family income. Nearly half (44.2%) were first-year students, 30.1% were enrolled in the department of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and 68.1% resided in state dormitories. Most students (92.4%) recognized the importance of hand hygiene in preventing parasitic diseases, and 71.3% acknowledged that the location of household toilets could contribute to the occurrence of such diseases. However, 70.1% reported not receiving specific training or certification on hygiene. Female students demonstrated the highest awareness of hand hygiene benefits in preventing parasitic infections, while nursing students had the most extensive hygiene training (course/certificate) (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that a significant proportion of students lack specialized courses or certifications on hygiene practices and have limited knowledge of parasitic diseases. Therefore, integrating scientific meetings and training sessions on parasitic diseases and preventive measures into the health sciences curriculum is essential.