Evaluating the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Chagas Disease among practicing health professionals in South Florida, USA

Introduction: Chagas Disease (CD) is a vector-borne anthropozoonotic illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Increasing immigration, travel, socioeconomic disparities, and epidemiological factors has created the potential for transmission in the Southeastern US. Given these trends, we identified South Florida as a region of importance to track CD. Prior research has highlighted a notable deficiency in awareness concerning this neglected tropical disease in the US, with no specific studies conducted among Florida health professionals. Thus, this study investigates the awareness level of CD across various South Florida practices and specialties where patients may present with classic clinical findings for both acute and chronic CD. Methods: This IRB exempt cross-sectional study utilizes an online 25 question survey measuring demographic information (e.g. specialty of medicine), knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among practicing health professionals in South Florida. Eligible participants are physicians, medical residents, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Responses are evaluated using statistical evaluations. Results: Our results showcase significant differences in KAP among varying demographics and professions in South Florida. Current data across 8 specialties shows that many respondents believe CD is underdiagnosed or that more training is needed in the region. Specialists within family medicine, cardiology, and infectious disease have even confirmed a diagnosis of CD. Discussion/Conclusion: Our study aids awareness and management of CD and informs future steps for education, community outreach, and training across health professions in South Florida. Overall, osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with drug therapy could be used in the future to limit the spread of CD.