MUMPS CONTROL AND PREVENTION KNOWLEDGE IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN BALAD CITY

Abstract

Introduction: Mumps (Parotitis) is an acute salivary glands viral infection due to a paramyxovirus family species. Paramyxovirus, mainly mumps, has an important effect in the etiology and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) [1-3]. Characteristic clinical features are; parotid salivary glands swelling with a characteristic "hamster-like" face. Mumps' symptoms include: high temperature, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Symptoms frequently appear 2 weeks after infection, and may continue 2-3 weeks after infection. Clinically symptoms range from severe to asymptomatic in some mumps patients. This study aims to identify mumps control and prevention measures and knowledge in the primary school in Balad city. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was done in the primary school in Balad city from 1st December 2018--3rd April 2019. A convenient sample was chosen composed of (60) teachers (30 males and 30 females) who are working in schools in Balad City. A constructed questionnaire was designed by the researchers to collect information about socio-demographic information and mumps control and prevention knowledge of teachers. Results: The sample consisted of 30 male and 30 females, 35 (58.3%) from the institute and the remaining graduated from education colleges. Teacher age groups were as following; 20-29.9 years were 8 (13.3%), 30-39.9 years 17 (28.3%), 40-49.9 years 19 (31.7%), above 50 years 16 (26.7%). Teachers were classified according to years of experience as follows, less than 9.9 years 11 (18.3%) 10-29.9 years 32 (53.3%), 30-39 6 (10%). Teachers were classified according to source of teacher's knowledge as follows; from books 7 (11.7%), newspapers and magazine 4 (6.7%), internet 27 (45%), previous study 14 (23.3%), and others (group discussion, workshops) 8 (13.3%).