Encounters and Management of Parasitic Diseases and Snakebites, and Attitudes Toward Parasitology Education Among Post-intern Medical Graduates of the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Parasitic diseases and snakebites cause major adverse impacts on health, especially in tropical countries like Sri Lanka.

Objectives: We described the encounters and management of parasitic diseases and snakebites among post-intern medical graduates at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and assessed their attitudes towards parasitology education and its impact on disease management.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study recruited three consecutive batches of post-intern graduates. A census of the total study population was undertaken. Data was collected using an online, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed.

Results: Two hundred and three post-intern doctors from 56 hospitals in 8 provinces of Sri Lanka took part. The response rate was 33.3%. Most were females (53.2%) between the ages of 27 to 33 years. Scabies (90.1%), insect bites and stings (79.8%) and head lice (68%) were the most encountered diseases, while intestinal cestodes (8.4%), trichomoniasis (9.4%), and visceral larva migrans (9.9%) were the least encountered. Ninety-eight percent encountered snake bite cases during their internship and post-internship. The most snake bite cases were encountered in Sabaragamuwa, Uva and North Central provinces. Nearly two-thirds self-reported to be competent in managing parasitic diseases. Ninety-three percent were able to recognize the offending snake, and the live or dead snake being brought to the hospital was the commonest identification method (77.4%). Seventy-seven percent had also administered antivenom. A majority agreed that the curriculum helped manage both parasitic diseases and snakebites. Several themes emerged from participants’ recommendations.

Conclusion: Parasitic diseases and snakebites are commonly encountered during the internship and post-intern period. Overall, post-intern doctors have a positive attitude toward parasitology education and its impact on disease management.