Publication: Enhancing knowledge of vascular pythiosis: Impact of a self-paced online course among Thai learners
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Issued Date
2025-04-01
Resource Type
eISSN
19352735
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105003784327
Pubmed ID
40198674
Journal Title
PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Volume
19
Issue
4
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
PLoS neglected tropical diseases Vol.19 No.4 (2025) , e0013003
Suggested Citation
Torvorapanit P., Leksuwankun S., Plongla R., Worasilchai N., Langsiri N., Chindamporn A., Thongkam A., Susaengrat N., Ouwongprayoon P., Srisurapanont K., Manothummetha K., Chuleerarux N., Meejun T., Thanakitcharu J., Lerttiendamrong B., Permpalung N., Nematollahi S. Enhancing knowledge of vascular pythiosis: Impact of a self-paced online course among Thai learners. PLoS neglected tropical diseases Vol.19 No.4 (2025) , e0013003. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0013003 Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/20421
Author's Affiliation
Siriraj Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Chulalongkorn University
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Jackson Memorial Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Srinakharinwirot University
Universidade Khonkaen
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Chulalongkorn University
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
Jackson Memorial Hospital
Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Srinakharinwirot University
Universidade Khonkaen
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pythiosis caused by Pythium insidiosum, is a rare but deadly infectious disease that is often underrecognized. The disease has high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in vascular forms where surgical resection is necessary. A previous study demonstrated low awareness and knowledge of vascular pythiosis among Thai medical personnel. There is an urgent need to improve disease recognition given that vascular pythiosis is very prevalent in Thailand. METHODS: This study aimed to enhance knowledge and disease recognition about vascular pythiosis among Thai medical personnel and the public through a self-paced, asynchronous, open-access online course. The course included seven video lessons and was available from February to July 2023. Participants' knowledge was assessed using pretest and posttest analysis. RESULTS: A total of 428 participants completed the course. Participants showed significant knowledge improvement, with mean posttest scores substantially higher than pretest scores, 6.77 vs. 3.46 (p-value < 0.01). Higher educational level had a positive impact with higher pretest and posttest scores, but the delta scores between the posttest and pretest of all groups were comparable. Moreover, 80% of participants demonstrated knowledge gain. However, participants of all groups scored the lowest on the posttest in diagnostic investigation field. CONCLUSIONS: Very low pretest scores underline the neglected problem of vascular pythiosis. This asynchronous online course successfully enhanced participants' knowledge about vascular pythiosis. Future efforts should focus on collaborative initiatives at the government and university levels to emphasize disease recognition.