1194. Assessing Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge of Shigella Transmission, Risk Factors, and Prevention – DocStyles Survey, 2020. (4th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haston, Julia C; Esschert, Kayla Vanden; Ford, Laura; Plumb, Ian D; Logan, Naeemah Z; Watkins, Louise Francois; Garcia-Williams, Amanda
• Is Part Of: Open forum infectious diseases. Volume 8(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S688
• Page End: S688
• Publication Date: 2021-12-04
• Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab466.1386
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-8957

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Shigella infection typically manifests as a self-limited gastrointestinal illness (shigellosis) and affects some populations disproportionately, including children, travelers, people experiencing homelessness, and men who have sex with men (MSM). Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are positioned to play an active role in the prevention and control of shigellosis but may not be aware of the multiple routes of Shigella transmission, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Methods: Porter Novelli Public Services' Fall DocStyles 2020 web-based survey was administered to HCPs in the United States to assess their clinical practice and knowledge about many health-related issues. Questions about acute diarrhea and shigellosis were completed by pediatricians, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. We analyzed responses to four questions related to Shigella transmission, risk factors, prevention, and barriers to patient education. Results: Of the 2196 panelists contacted, 1503 were included (68% response rate). Most identified contaminated food and water as potential routes of Shigella transmission (84.9% and 78.8%, respectively), but substantially fewer recognized person-to-person contact (39.5%), fomite transmission (32.5%), or sexual activity (17.6%) as ways adults can become infected. Similarly, MSM were infrequently identified as being at risk for shigellosis (34.5%). Many HCPs reported counseling patients to wash hands and avoid food preparation when ill with Shigella (85.9% and 77.2%), but only 29.4% reported recommending avoiding sex. Only 7.1% of respondents correctly identified all routes of transmission, 21% identified all risk factors, and 22% identified all prevention strategies. Delay in diagnosis was the most frequently reported barrier to educating patients about shigellosis. Conclusion: HCP knowledge of shigellosis is incomplete. Identified gaps in knowledge were related to MSM as an at-risk population and transmission of Shigella through fomites and person-to-person contact (including sexual contact). Informing HCPs about transmission, risk factors, and opportunities for prevention could improve recognition and stop the spread of shigellosis in vulnerable communities. Disclosures: All Authors : No reported disclosures