As an epidemiologist investigating a Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak, you have been tasked with developing an eight to ten item questionnaire to investigate the situation. You will also write a brief report that explains the questionnaire. Your report should address the following: Your questionnaire and paper should meet the following structural requirements:
Introduction
Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred, primarily in the Middle East region. As an epidemiologist investigating a recent MERS outbreak, this report aims to develop and present an eight to ten item questionnaire to investigate the situation. The questionnaire will be designed to gather crucial information on the outbreak’s epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and potential risk factors associated with MERS. This report will also provide a comprehensive explanation of the questionnaire, its purpose, and the rationale behind each question.
Questionnaire Development
1. How would you rate your knowledge of MERS?
a. Very low
b. Low
c. Moderate
d. High
e. Expert
Rationale: This question aims to assess the participants’ understanding of MERS, which will help in interpreting their responses to subsequent questions. It will provide insights into the level of knowledge within the affected population and can indicate knowledge gaps that need to be addressed through public health education and awareness campaigns.
2. Have you ever experienced any respiratory symptoms in the past month?
a. Yes
b. No
Rationale: This question will help identify individuals who may potentially be infected with MERS. Symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and fever are common indicators of respiratory infections. By determining the prevalence of these symptoms within the population, the questionnaire can identify potential cases that need further investigation.
3. Have you or any close contacts traveled internationally within the past month?
a. Yes
b. No
Rationale: MERS is often associated with international travel to countries in the Middle East region. As such, this question will assist in identifying individuals who may have been exposed to MERS-infected individuals during their travel, thus increasing the likelihood of transmission. The responses to this question will help establish the extent of international travel within the affected population.
4. If yes, specify the countries visited:
Rationale: This open-ended question allows respondents to provide specific information on the countries they visited. Identifying the regions with the highest incidence of MERS is crucial in understanding the geographic dynamics of the outbreak. It will aid in identifying potential importation of cases and inform further investigation and surveillance efforts in those regions.
5. Do you work in the healthcare sector?
a. Yes
b. No
Rationale: Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of exposure to MERS due to their frequent contact with infected individuals. This question will help identify high-risk occupational groups and assist in evaluating the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings. It will also provide insights into potential nosocomial transmission within healthcare facilities.
6. Do you have any underlying medical conditions? Please specify:
Rationale: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, renal failure, and chronic lung disease, have been identified as risk factors for severe MERS infections. This question aims to identify individuals who may be more susceptible to severe disease outcomes. The responses will help assess the burden of underlying medical conditions within the affected population and inform targeted interventions for high-risk groups.
7. Have you had any contact with animals, such as camels or bats, in the past month?
a. Yes
b. No
Rationale: MERS is believed to have originated from zoonotic transmission, primarily through camels. Bats are also considered potential reservoirs for the MERS coronavirus. This question aims to identify potential animal exposures that may contribute to human infections. By understanding the frequency and nature of such exposures, appropriate preventive measures can be recommended.
8. Have you visited any healthcare facilities in the past month?
Rationale: This question aims to identify potential exposure to MERS-infected individuals within healthcare facilities. Furthermore, it will help assess the circulation of the virus within different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or emergency departments, thereby providing valuable information for infection control strategies and resource allocation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the developed questionnaire aims to gather crucial information regarding the recent MERS outbreak. By addressing various aspects, including knowledge assessment, symptoms, travel history, occupation, underlying medical conditions, animal exposures, and healthcare facility visits, this questionnaire will provide valuable insights into the epidemiology and risk factors associated with the outbreak. It will aid in developing targeted interventions, conducting further investigations, and implementing appropriate infection prevention and control measures.