Abstract :
Introduction: The danger of using biological warfare for mass destruction is a serious threat to this country.
Thus, it is necessary that our health care services are prepared to efficiently manage any such unfortunate
events that we may have to face in future. Physicians in the public and private sector of health services
are the first point of contact between public and health services. Thus, the present study examines the
awareness of medical physicians in Goa about biological terrorism to evaluate the need for further education
in this field.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among the medical physicians in Goa using
purposive sampling method. The self-administered questionnaire collected information regarding the
qualification, work setting of the study participants and knowledge regarding biological terrorism. Data
was entered and analysed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics was utilized to study frequencies
and proportion of various study variables.
Results: Of the 200 study participants, 128 (64%) were Specialist doctors, 65 (32.5%) were General physicians,
while 7 (3.5%) were Super-specialist doctors. Of the 200 study participants, 174 (87%) reported that they
were aware of the use of biological agent for mass destruction of human lives. As much as 34 (17%) study
participants could not list any agent of bioterrorism.
Conclusion: The knowledge of medical physician in Goa regarding bioterrorism is low, which is a matter of
concern as these medical professionals are the first point of contact for the patients affected by an attack
of bioterrorism.
Keyword :
Bioterrorism, Knowledge, Physicians