A cross-sectional study of undergraduate pharmacy students’ awareness and knowledge of mycetoma

Objectives

Mycetoma is a disease of socioeconomic significance that mostly impact people in environments with low resources and could result in lifelong harm and incapacity. The study assessed pharmacy students’ awareness and knowledge of mycetoma disease, as well as their preparedness to learn the requisite knowledge and skills for its prevention and control.

Materials and Methods

Using a convenience sample technique and a two-sectioned structured questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was carried out on undergraduate pharmacy students. The data were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. At p < 0.05 level of significance, the Chi-square was utilized to ascertain correlations between the independent variables and the socio-demographic characteristics of the students.

Results

The response rate was 68%, with only 406 out of 600 questionnaires being correctly completed. Half of the respondents (n = 203.50%) were males and in the Bachelor of Pharmacy program (51.5%), while 201 (49.5%) were within the age range of 18 and 29 years. Even though only 25.06% had attended lectures on mycetoma, more than half (58.48%) were aware of it, and 260 (64.0%) had good knowledge. Students’ knowledge of mycetoma was influenced by their academic year (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Pharmacy students are aware and possess good knowledge of mycetoma disease, though they require advanced knowledge. Policymakers and education regulatory organizations should incorporate studies on mycetoma identification, diagnosis, management, prevention, and control strategies in the undergraduate pharmacy program curriculum.