Background
Snakebite envenomation remains a neglected health problem in many countries, including Gabon, where the limited availability of snakebite-specific training, clinical guidelines and important resources at health facilities can lead to gaps in health professionals’ knowledge and confidence and the use of non-recommended treatment practices. This study aimed to assess healthcare professionals’ knowledge of snakebite management in the Ogooué et des Lacs Department of the Moyen-Ogooué Province of Gabon.
Methods
From June to August 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey aimed at all health workers in Ogooué et des Lacs who may be involved in the treatment of snakebites. We gathered information about previous training, self-perceived knowledge about snakebite treatment, symptom recognition, clinical treatment practice and snake identification. Knowledge was assessed using 10 true/false symptom questions and 12 management questions, with one point awarded for each correct answer. Generalized linear binomial regression modeling was used to evaluate associations between knowledge and participant characteristics.
Results
A total of 171 healthcare workers (78% of those eligible) participated. Overall, 40% (68/171) scored below 50% on symptom questions, and 66% (113/171) scored below 50% on management questions. Inappropriate practices were frequently recommended, including tourniquet use (70%, 120/171) and venom aspiration (73%, 125/171). Nurses and nurses had lower odds of correct answers than doctors (OR: 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55-0.84, and OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.98, respectively), while health professionals in primary health care facilities performed better than 53%: 95% of health care facilities. CI: 1.04-1.46). Venomous snakes were correctly identified as such in 74% (109/148) of responses, compared to 28% (42/148) for non-venomous snakes.
Conclusion
Deficiencies in knowledge about and handling of snakebites were identified among healthcare personnel in the study region. Targeted education, national clinical guidelines and improved access to antivenom are needed to strengthen snakebite management in Ogooué et des Lacs and potentially more widely in Gabon.
Rae JD, Artus R, Hunstig F, Mombo-Ngoma G, Zinsou AH, Okwu DG, et al. (2026) Snakebite knowledge among healthcare workers in Gabon: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey. PLoS Nail Trop Dis 20(3): e0013742. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013742
