Knowledge of Nursing Students Regarding Brain Eating Amoeba: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Naegleria fowleri, referred to as the brain-eating amoeba, is a thermophilic protozoan responsible for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an uncommon yet exceedingly lethal infection. The rising exposure to warm freshwater bodies and environmental conditions in Asian regions, particularly northern India, poses a considerable risk of illness. Awareness among healthcare practitioners, especially nursing students, is essential for early detection and prevention.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate nursing students' knowledge and awareness of N. fowleri, including its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed including 319 nursing students from a designated institution in northern India, utilising a structured and validated questionnaire. The instrument evaluated general awareness, symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and management of N. fowleri. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied and the data were analysed with SPSS version 25.0.

Results: Approximately 49.8% of nursing students exhibited good knowledge, whereas 35.4% possessed average knowledge, and 14.7% shown inadequate understanding. Students demonstrated heightened awareness of general information (70.5%) and symptoms (74%) in contrast to diagnosis (48.9%) and management (42.9%). Knowledge scores had a significant correlation with gender (p=0.035), year of study (p<0.001), and swimming practices (p=0.013). Although knowledge levels are quite high, substantial deficiencies were observed in essential areas, including diagnostic and treatment methods.

Conclusions: The study emphasises the urgency and necessity for focused educational initiatives to improve nursing students' comprehension of N. fowleri infection. Integrating rare yet significant illnesses such as PAM into the nursing curriculum and promoting awareness through seminars and clinical exposure is advised to reduce morbidity and mortality linked to this fatal infection.