Knowledge about viral gastroenteritis by health professionals of a referral maternity and child health hospital in Pará State, Brazil

Abstract

The acute gastroenteritis (AGE) of viral origin is considered a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old, and rotavirus, norovirus and astrovirus are indicated as the main viruses. This study aimed to verify the knowledge available to the doctors and nurses of neonatal and pediatric sectors of a referral maternity and child health hospital in Pará State, Brazil, about viruses related to the AGE, its mode of transmission, and main prevention and control. It was conducted a descriptive exploratory survey in 2011, using a questionnaire involving questions related to the profile of participants and about the proposed topic. After applying statistical test, a random selection of 60 participants was done. It was found that, during the presence of diarrhea, hand washing and the hydration therapy are already well established by professionals, as well as isolation of patients affected by AGE. It was found that most of the participants has knowledge about the rotavirus vaccine, the number of doses and age of application. Among the procedures to be performed in case of nosocomial outbreak, the collection of samples for etiological definition and the use of personal protection were the most mentioned procedures. Fecal-oral route and manipulation of fomites were most mentioned main sources of transmission of these viruses. Whereas AGE is a major cause of medical consultations, hospitalization and infant mortality, it is essential the awareness of health professionals about the easy transmission of these viruses to prevent their dissemination, contributing to morbidity reduction caused by these pathogens.