Hygeia Public Health 2016, 51(2): 171-178pl

Evaluation of students´ knowledge about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases

Anna Kowalczyk ^1/, Ewelina Kozłowska ^2/, Anna Pacian ^3/, Hanna Skórzyńska ^3/

1/ Studenckie Koło Naukowe przy Katedrze Zdrowia Publicznego, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie
2/ Samodzielna Pracownia Epidemiologii, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie
3/ Katedra Zdrowia Publicznego, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie

Summary
Introduction. Ixodes ricinus - the most popular species of ticks in Poland, constitutes a vector and reservoir of numerous pathogens, posing an epidemiological threat not only to people, but also farm, domestic and wildlife animals. Health education is the least expensive and often the most effective form of prevention of tick-borne diseases, therefore should be conducted during the professional education process.
Aim. The evaluation of knowledge about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases among the students of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin.
Material & method. The research in the form of a diagnostic survey was conducted between May and June 2014 amongst 184 students of 15 university fields of study in Lublin. A questionnaire form of own authorship constituted the research tool. The obtained results were subjected to the statistical analysis with the nonparametric Pearson´s χ² statistical test.
Results. More than 60% of the students presented low knowledge level, among others the students of tourism and recreation (the average number of points 5.41 at the 14 of possible score), as well as of farming (5.45/14) and of horticulture (5.71/14). No significant relations between the knowledge level and age, prevalence of tick-borne diseases in the family, occupational activity of students and level of studies were revealed.
Conclusion. The knowledge level of the examined students´ group in relation to Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is insufficient. On the faculty of life sciences the educational program should contain more class hours about diseases transmitted by ticks and the ways to prevent them.

Key words:  knowledge, young people, Lyme disease, tick-borne diseases