A survey of jellyfish sting knowledge among Thai divers in Thailand

Abstract

Background: In tropical regions, jellyfish envenomation is a persistent hazard for people who spend time in the sea. Jellyfish stings can be dangerous, and among the people who face the greatest risk are scuba divers. This study therefore sought to determine the level of knowledge divers in Thailand have about the threat of jellyfish envenomation. Materials and methods: In April 2018, a total of 238 divers responded to a questionnaire, thereby providing data for further statistical analysis. Results: The findings revealed that 31.91% of the study participants cited jellyfish stings as their most frequently encountered injury, with 68.09% having personal experience of the problem, or having seen others injured by jellyfish. However, 34.03% of the sample respondents believed their own level of knowledge to be "low" or "none". The mean score was 71%, which can be considered satisfactory, but the scores for items concerning the recognition of signs of envenomation and items about first aid responses (52.74% and 59.13%, respectively) were not acceptable. Conclusions: Divers frequently experience jellyfish stings, and diving personnel were highly rated for their knowledge in this area. However, very few were fully confident in their first aid capabilities, and therefore it can be argued that it is necessary to improve the level of medical education and to provide training to eliminate this weakness.

There’s something in the water: an overview of jellyfish, their stings, and treatment

“…Jellyfish blooms have increased in the past few decades, damaging fish stocks and disrupting water-based industries [5]. Among divers in Thailand, almost 32% reported jellyfish stings as their most frequently encountered injury [6]. Given their increasing prevalence worldwide, it is important for clinicians to be familiar with jellyfish, their stings, and treatment of injuries sustained from jellyfish.…”

Jellyfish sting and first aid knowledge among 6th-9thgrade students in Koh Mak, Koh Kood, and Koh Chang, Trat Province, Thailand

“…(23) Moreover, 63.54% of students did not know that tentacles should not be removed with bare hands, which is also different from Suriyan's study that the respondents knew that the nematocysts should not be removed from the skin with bare hands. (22) It was rather surprising to see that Koh Mak students had inadequate knowledge in general knowledge about jellyfish stings, and also first aid knowledge. This should be of high concern due to high incidence in the area.…”

“…The research tool used in this study is a questionnaire developed by the investigator, based on related literature review of Thaikruea's guidelines (7) and adapted from Kan's questionnaire regarding Northeast China naval personnel's knowledge about jellyfish envenomation. (22) Data will be collected from the questionnaire answered by the students themselves.…”