Publication: Innovative distance learning tool for morphological identification of chigger mites (Actinotrichida) as vectors of scrub typhus: A pilot study
Issued Date
2020-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
24146366
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-85083297745
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. Vol.5, No.2 (2020)
Suggested Citation
Rawadee Kumlert, Aulia Rahmi Pawestri, Piyada Linsuwanon, Serge Morand Innovative distance learning tool for morphological identification of chigger mites (Actinotrichida) as vectors of scrub typhus: A pilot study. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. Vol.5, No.2 (2020). doi:10.3390/tropicalmed5020055 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/54566
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Innovative distance learning tool for morphological identification of chigger mites (Actinotrichida) as vectors of scrub typhus: A pilot study
Abstract
© 2020 by the authors. Scrub typhus, a disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, affects more than one billion people globally with an average fatality rate of 6%. Humans are accidentally infected through the bite of trombiculid mite larvae (chiggers). Chiggers feed on hosts' extracellular fluid for survival and development. O. tsutsugamushi is maintained throughout the chigger's lifespan and over several generations. Although disease-related knowledge is essential in designing effective control strategies, many personnel in related sectors are unfamiliar with this disease and its vector. To tackle this issue, we developed a distance learning tool using educational videos on scrub typhus- and vector-related topics. The learning method is facilitated online, and students and tutors are not required to be physically present at the same place and time, thus allowing flexibility and accessibility. Knowledge improvement of 34 participants from related sectors was evaluated by pre- and post-test questionnaires. Although 54% of participants had prior knowledge of scrub typhus, 76.5% still lack basic knowledge of vector identification. After the distance learning, the average score increased significantly from the baseline (p < 0.05). Most participants showed interest in the topic and learning method. These results suggest that the distance learning method was promising in distributing health-related information and might be applied to other diseases and communities.