Description Of The Level Of Knowledge And Preventive Behavior Towards Infection Diarrheagenic Escherichia Coli In Students Of The Faculty Of Medicine, University Of North Sumatra, Class Of 2017

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 194 views

**Description of the Level of Knowledge and Preventive Behavior for Diarrheagenic Escherichia Coli Infection in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2017**

Background and Significance of the Study

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is a type of bacteria that causes diarrhea, and it is one of the leading causes of acute diarrhea worldwide. DEC infections are a serious public health problem, contributing to high morbidity and mortality, especially among infants, children, and individuals with a weak immune system. The main source of contamination of DEC into the human body usually comes from unclean foods, dairy products that are not processed properly, and contact with individuals who have poor cleanliness. Hand washing habits that are not routine also increase the risk of transmission. Therefore, the evaluation of the level of knowledge and preventive behavior of students on DEC infections is very important.

Understanding the Importance of DEC Infections

DEC infections are a significant public health concern, and it is essential to understand the importance of preventing these infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of five, and DEC is one of the leading causes of diarrhea. In addition, DEC infections can also cause severe complications, such as kidney failure and sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

The Role of Students in Preventing DEC Infections

As future healthcare professionals, students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, have a critical role in preventing DEC infections. They are not only responsible for their own health but also for educating the community about the importance of preventing DEC infections. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the level of knowledge and preventive behavior of students on DEC infections to identify areas for improvement.

Research Purposes and Objectives

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and preventive behavior of students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2017, related to DEC infections. The specific objectives of this study are:

To assess the level of knowledge of students on DEC infections
To evaluate the preventive behavior of students against DEC infections
To identify the factors that influence the level of knowledge and preventive behavior of students on DEC infections

Research Methods

This study used a descriptive research design, and data was collected through a questionnaire that contains questions about knowledge about DEC infections and preventive behavior that must be done to prevent the infection. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 respondents who met the established criteria.

Data Collection and Analysis

The questionnaire was designed to collect data on the level of knowledge and preventive behavior of students on DEC infections. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the results were presented in the form of frequencies and percentages.

Research Results

The results of this study showed that:

Knowledge Level:

Good: 64 people (64%)
Medium: 29 people (29%)
Low: 7 people (7%)

Preventive Behavior:

Good: 81 people (81%)
Medium: 18 people (18%)
Low: 1 person (1%)

Conclusion and Implications

The majority of students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2017, showed a good level of knowledge and preventive behavior for DEC infections. The results of this study indicate that education about the importance of cleanliness and knowledge about infection is very influential in preventing the spread of disease. This is important to continue to be maintained and improved, especially among prospective medical personnel who have an important role in providing education to the community.

Implications for Future Research

The results of this study have implications for future research on DEC infections. Further research needs to be done to understand more about the factors that influence preventive behavior and ways to increase knowledge among students and the general public.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The level of good preventive knowledge and behavior among students shows their awareness of the importance of maintaining health and preventing infection. Health education that has been received at the Faculty of Medicine is likely to contribute to forming this mindset. Good knowledge will lead to better preventive measures, which in turn can reduce the risk of the spread of DEC infection.

The Importance of Hand Washing

The importance of washing hands before eating and after interacting with a potentially contaminated environment cannot be underestimated. In this faster and modern world, good habits such as washing hands are often forgotten. Therefore, a sustainable education campaign is needed to remind the public, especially medical students, regarding their role in preventing infection through simple but very effective actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of evaluating the level of knowledge and preventive behavior of students on DEC infections. The results of this study indicate that education about the importance of cleanliness and knowledge about infection is very influential in preventing the spread of disease. This is important to continue to be maintained and improved, especially among prospective medical personnel who have an important role in providing education to the community.

Q: What is Diarrheagenic Escherichia Coli (DEC)?

A: DEC is a type of bacteria that causes diarrhea, and it is one of the leading causes of acute diarrhea worldwide.

Q: What are the symptoms of DEC infections?

A: The symptoms of DEC infections include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting.

Q: Who is at risk of getting DEC infections?

A: Anyone can get DEC infections, but individuals with a weak immune system, such as infants, children, and older adults, are more susceptible to severe complications.

Q: How is DEC transmitted?

A: DEC is transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as through contact with individuals who have poor cleanliness.

Q: What is the role of hand washing in preventing DEC infections?

A: Hand washing is a crucial step in preventing DEC infections. Washing hands before eating and after interacting with a potentially contaminated environment can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

Q: What is the importance of education in preventing DEC infections?

A: Education about the importance of cleanliness and knowledge about infection is very influential in preventing the spread of disease. This is especially important for prospective medical personnel who have an important role in providing education to the community.

Q: What are the implications of this study for future research?

A: The results of this study have implications for future research on DEC infections. Further research needs to be done to understand more about the factors that influence preventive behavior and ways to increase knowledge among students and the general public.

Q: What can be done to prevent DEC infections?

A: To prevent DEC infections, individuals should:

Wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after interacting with a potentially contaminated environment
Avoid consuming contaminated food and water
Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands after using the bathroom and before handling food
Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, especially for individuals with a weak immune system

Q: What are the consequences of not preventing DEC infections?

A: If DEC infections are not prevented, individuals may experience severe complications, such as kidney failure and sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

Q: What is the significance of this study for public health?

A: This study highlights the importance of evaluating the level of knowledge and preventive behavior of students on DEC infections. The results of this study indicate that education about the importance of cleanliness and knowledge about infection is very influential in preventing the spread of disease. This is important to continue to be maintained and improved, especially among prospective medical personnel who have an important role in providing education to the community.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the small sample size and the fact that the study was conducted in a specific population (students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra). Further research is needed to generalize the findings to other populations.

Q: What are the future directions for research on DEC infections?

A: Future research should focus on understanding more about the factors that influence preventive behavior and ways to increase knowledge among students and the general public. Additionally, research should be conducted to develop effective interventions to prevent DEC infections.