Does the informal education training increase awareness of anaphylaxis among students of medicine? Before-after survey study.

Abstract

BackgroundAllergies are among the most common chronic diseases in Europe. The most serious complication of allergies is anaphylactic shock. Most of cases occur outside the hospital, thus knowledge of symptoms and first aid is crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about anaphylaxis and ability to use adrenaline auto-injectors among medical students and to determine an improvement after a training based on non-formal education.MethodsThe research was conducted among 365 medicine students from the Medical University of Gdańsk. The respondents completed a multiple-choice knowledge test, before theoretical and practical training on adrenaline auto-injector use was given, then they re-took the test. Descriptive statistics were used to reveal characteristics of students of different grades. T-test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThere was an increase in knowledge test scores (on average, 28.6%, p=0.0168) after training. The average test score increase questions for the whole study group was 2.29, varying between 4.96 and 7.25, out of 8. Almost all (99.4%) of the respondents after training believed that they would be able to use adrenaline auto-injector in an emergency.ConclusionsTested students didn’t have sufficient knowledge to provide first aid in cases of anaphylaxis before schooling. The training based on non-formal education was effective. Using the subject-performed task method helps remembering stages of action in stressful situations. This type of training would increase self-efficacy among various social groups.