Snakebite Management Knowledge and Predictive Factors among Emergency Residents in Malaysia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the extent of knowledge among emergency residents (ERs) regarding the identification of common local venomous snakes and the management of snakebites and to identify predictive factors influencing the adequacy of this knowledge. METHODOLOGY: This study conducted a self-developed, questionnaire-based, anonymous, and selfadministered cross-sectional survey from March to June 2018 at two major urban hospitals in Malaysia's Klang Valley region: the Emergency Department (ED) of University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and the ED of Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR). A structured questionnaire covering demographic information, snakebite recognition, and management was distributed to ERs. We employed a nonprobability, purposive universal sampling method. We randomly selected samples from a list provided by the person in charge. RESULTS: Only 16.3% demonstrated adequate knowledge in this domain. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated a significant association between age and knowledge adequacy (p<0.05) and a marginal association between knowledge adequacy and gender (p=0.046) or prior snakebite training (p=0.05). Subsequent backward stepwise logistic regression analysis identified age as the sole significant independent predictor, accounting for gender, work experience, position, training received, and management experience (p=0.012; OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07-1.67). CONCLUSION: the study revealed a deficiency in knowledge regarding snakebite recognition and management among emergency residents. Advanced age is a predictor of knowledge adequacy in snakebite management. Therefore, implementing an improved educational program targeting healthcare professionals across all levels and categories is a viable and practical solution.

Keywords

• : emergency residents
• knowledge adequacy