The Study of Knowledge, and Performance of Healthcare Employees and Physicians about Dangerous Scorpions in the Southern Region of Kerman

Introduction:The low awareness of healthcare providers, especially health workers and physicians, about dangerous scorpions is one of the weaknesses of the health care system in the education and management of scorpion sting treatment in these areas.The aim of this study is to determine the awareness and performance of health workers in the southern Kerman region regarding dangerous and deadly scorpions and the symptoms of scorpion stings with them. Materials and Methods:The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study that, using a researcher-made questionnaire, investigated the knowledge and performance of 119 health workers and 32 physicians about the morphology, sting shape, venom composition, and symptoms of scorpion stings with dangerous and deadly scorpions in southern Kerman in 2022.Data analysis was performed using statistical methods of frequency/percentage, mean/standard deviation, correlation, chi-square, and SPSS version 20 software. Results:The knowledge of physicians and health workers about morphological characteristics, characteristics of venom compounds of black and Gadim scorpions, and symptoms of scorpion stings with dangerous and deadly scorpions was low and below average.There was no statistically significant relationship between knowledge and performance among physicians (p>0.05) and among health workers (p>0.05).A statistically significant difference was observed between physicians and health workers regarding the lifestyle of dangerous scorpions (P<0.01) and the venom compounds of black scorpions (P<0.01).Also, a statistically significant difference was observed between physicians and health workers regarding the initial and recommended measures after scorpion stings in terms of using a tourniquet above the scorpion sting site (P<0.05)and cold compresses at the scorpion sting site (P<0.01). Conclusion:The knowledge score of physicians and health workers about scorpions and scorpion stings was generally not adequate, and physicians had lower knowledge.Practical and fundamental training for health-care workers will be very helpful, given the importance of awareness among doctors and health workers.