Medical and health students' insights into mycetoma: A survey-based study on knowledge and clinical practices.

BACKGROUND: Mycetoma poses significant public health challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. Well-trained healthcare professionals with both comprehensive knowledge and practical skills are essential in combating this disease. Recognising this need, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of medical and health students in Sudan regarding mycetoma. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 547 students from various medical and health-related faculties across Sudan. A structured questionnaire assessed participants' awareness, knowledge (epidemiology, causative agents, clinical features, diagnosis, and management), and practical experiences related to mycetoma. The levels of knowledge and practice were categorised as good, moderate, or low. Associations between academic level, faculty type, and performance were analysed. RESULTS: A majority of students (80.6%) had heard of mycetoma, indicating a generally high level of awareness. However, only 26.3% demonstrated good knowledge, while 34.6% had moderate and 39.1% had low knowledge. Practical competencies were also limited, with 17.4% showing good practice, 22.7% moderate, and 60% low practice. Senior students and those enrolled in medical faculties exhibited better knowledge and practices compared to junior students. Notably, discrepancies between theoretical knowledge and actual practice were evident, suggesting that current training methods may not sufficiently prepare students for real-world management of mycetoma. Limited clinical exposure, insufficient community-based training, and inadequate emphasis on practical skills were identified as key contributing factors. CONCLUSION: This study highlights critical gaps in both knowledge and practical skills related to mycetoma among Sudanese medical and health students. Equipping future healthcare providers with better skills will strengthen mycetoma diagnosis, management, and control, improving outcomes and reducing its burden in endemic regions. Additionally, the validated assessment tool developed in this study offers a resource for evaluating knowledge and practices related to other neglected tropical diseases.