ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING IN USE DOCTORS SYMBOL USED BY HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN AND AROUND TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN CENTRAL INDIA

Abstract

Background: Medical symbols are widely used by doctors and healthcare institutions. However, confusion exists regarding the Rod of Asclepius, Caduceus, Red Cross, Star of Life. This study assessed knowledge, attitude and practice regarding commonly used medical symbols among healthcare workers. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted over three months at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Universal sampling was used. A predesigned questionnaire containing 24 questions was administered to subject participant (MBBS students, postgraduate students and healthcare professionals). Correct responses were scored as 1 and incorrect responses as 0. Data were analysed using RStudio. Frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, median and interquartile range were calculated. Kruskal–Wallis, chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used as appropriate. Results: A total of 220 participants were included. MBBS students constituted 175 (79.5%), postgraduate students 30 (13.6%) and healthcare professionals 15 (6.8%). The mean total score was 8.02 ± 2.21 out of 24 and the median score was 8 (IQR 7–9). Correct responses were below 50% for 21 questions. Only 39.5% correctly identified the Rod of Asclepius as the symbol of medicine and 33.2% knew its significance. The lowest responses were for the year of mistaken use of Caduceus is 19.1%. Total scores did not differ significantly among participant groups (P=0.770). Conclusion: Knowledge regarding medical symbols was low among all participant categories. Structured teaching regarding their history, meaning and legal use is needed.