Abstract / Summary
Introduction: Chikungunya is an emerging mosquito-borne viral disease that has become a growing public health concern worldwide. Despite documented autochthonous outbreaks in Italy and the increasing spread of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes across Europe, little is known about awareness of chikungunya among future healthcare professionals. This study aimed to assess awareness of chikungunya and evaluate related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among nursing students at the University of Palermo, Italy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2026 among undergraduate nursing students enrolled at the University of Palermo. Data were collected through an anonymous self-administered online questionnaire investigating sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of chikungunya, sources of information, and KAP related to the disease. Associations between awareness and participant characteristics were assessed using chi-square tests and prevalence ratio analyses. Results: A total of 894 students participated (mean age: 22.33 ± 4.53 years; 72.3% female). Overall, only 22 students (2.46%) reported having previously heard of chikungunya. In a multivariable exploratory analysis, third-year students had a higher prevalence of previous awareness compared with first-year students (PR = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.10–10.36), whereas no statistically significant association was observed for age (PR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.00–1.15). Mass media represented the main source of information (63.6%), followed by university lectures (22.7%). Among participants who reported previous awareness, responses suggested relatively good recognition of major clinical manifestations, although important gaps were observed regarding vector recognition and transmission pathways. Attitudes toward prevention were predominantly positive, and most participants reported adopting recommended mosquito-control practices. Conclusions: Awareness of chikungunya among nursing students was extremely low. Strengthening educational interventions on emerging vector-borne diseases within nursing curricula may improve preparedness, risk communication, and future public health responses.