Meningitis: A Research Project on Awareness, Symptoms, and Prevention

This research project investigates public awareness of meningitis, exploring its signs, symptoms, preventative measures, and mortality rates. The study collected primary data through a questionnaire administered to 149 participants, focusing on their understanding of meningitis. The research delves into the causes of meningitis, including bacterial and viral infections, and examines the most susceptible age groups. The project also covers the symptoms, long-term impacts, and modes of transmission of meningitis, along with diagnostic and treatment methods, and preventive measures like vaccination and hygiene practices. The results reveal the participants' knowledge levels regarding meningitis, highlighting the need for increased awareness, and underscores the severity of the illness and its potential to lead to serious health consequences, including death. The study emphasizes the importance of public health interventions to reduce the impact of meningitis.

Research project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................6
RESULTS......................................................................................................................................10
DISCUSSION................................................................................................................................22
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................25

ABSTRACT
Meningitis has been referred to the inflammation of the brain and the spinal cord membrane
which is typically caused by the infection. The current study is associated with the meningitis
which contains the signs, symptoms, preventative measure, death rate and awareness in people
regarding meningitis. Primary data has been collected with the help of questionnaire and the
questions in meningitis context has been asked to the participants. The study or the research is
well focus on the context which is suitable in order to provide the brief data and conclusion of
the meningitis among the people which may various consequence that is well related with the
health. The final results have revealed that meningitis creates serious threat illness which can
impact the lives of the people and often lead to death. Thus, the results that has been gained are
accordance with the questions that has been asked and that depicts effective understanding in
regards to meningitis.

INTRODUCTION
Meningitis refers to the inflammation of brain along with spinal cord membranes. It is
generally caused due to the bacterial or viral infection. It is a serious disease which include
different symptoms like fever, headache, muscular rigidity and sensitivity to light. Bacterial
meningitis is serious illness which can have high impact on the people health and may lead death
in very few hours. Even Meningococcal strains can cause bacterial meningitis but is not the only
bacteria that cause meningitis. it can lead to life-threatening blood poisoning and may result to
permanent damage to brain or nerves (Donovan et.al. 2019). There can be risk of getting
permanent disability to the people who may recover. Here, some permanent disability may
include hearing loss, brain damage or any learning disability. The infection is generally spread
from people who are affected through respiratory and throat secretions. These can get easily
spread through sneezing and coughing. There is risk of infection through getting in direct or
indirect contact.
Acute bacterial meningitis may get treated through applying immediately intravenous antibiotics
along with sometimes corticosteroids. As a preventive measure there are number of vaccines are
available to reduce the risk of meningitis (Quagliarello and Scheld, 2021). There is need to use
some ways and intervention that can be effective and allow to provide better and effective
response towards the delivery of effective care. Here, some of the intervention strategy may
include washing hand on regular interval. This can be effective and allow to reduce the risk of
spreading virus that can lead to occur meningitis. There is also needed to assure about practicing
hygiene which is also have high impact in reducing the cases and spreading of meningitis
What is meningitis?
It has been defined as the serious disease under which there is inflammation of meninges
which has been caused by the viral or bacterial infections and this has been marked by the
intense headache and fever (Aksamit and Berkowitz, 2021).
What are the known causes of meningitis? name all.
The known causes of meningitis are- Meningococcal bacteria, pneumococcal bacteria,
Haemophilus influenza type b which is Hib (bacteria), Enteroviruses- this cause mild stomach
infection and the mumps virus (Masri et.al. 2018).

What type of meningitis is most common in the UK?
Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type of meningitis that is common
in UK (Chakrabarti et.al. 2018).
How many cases of different types (focus on viral and bacterial) are reported in the UK
each year (look at last 3-5 years)?
Different types of cases that involves viral and bacterial meningitis are reported within an
estimated incider around 6-15 cases per and 100, 000 per year in the UK (Meningitis in adults:
diagnosis and management, 2018).
Which age groups are most susceptible to meningitis?
The age groups that are most susceptible to meningitis are infants, teens, young adults
and the older adults (McGill et.al. 2018).
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
The major symptoms of meningitis are the septicaemia and meningococcal disease
includes, a high temperature, cold hands and feet, vomiting, confusion, breathing quickly, muscle
and joint pain, spots or a rash and pale, mottled or blotchy skin (Rajasingham et.al. 2019).
What are the possible long-term impacts of meningitis?
The major possible long-term impacts of meningitis are heart inflammation, swelling of
meninges, brain stem inflammation and psychological issues. Bacterial meningitis may cause
speech problems, issues with memory, learning difficulties, vision loss and seizures (Kohil et.al.
2021).
How does meningitis infection spread?
Meningitis infection spreads when respiratory and throat secrteions are spread through
coughing, kissing or being in close contact with people (Wright et.al. 2019).
How is meningitis diagnosed?

A blood test has been done in order to check the bacteria or viruses. A lumber puncture in
which sample of the fluid has been taken from the spine and checked for the bacteria or viruses.
Also, CT Scan has been performed in order to check if any problem exist with the brain
(Moriguchi et.al. 2020).
What is the treatment for meningitis?
The major treatment of meningitis are- antibiotics directly given in the vein, fluid is being
directly given to the vein for preventing dehydration, giving oxygen with the help of face mask if
any difficulty is found in breathing and providing steroid medication for reducing type of
swelling around the brain in many cases (Griffiths, McGill and Solomon, 2018).
What are the preventive measures for meningitis?
The preventative measures for meningitis are- washing hands, practicing good hygiene,
covering the mouth, staying healthy and vaccination. The vaccination has been considered as one
of the major preventative measure that helps in reducing the threat of meningitis (Ramasamy
et.al. 2018).
What was the aim of your project?
The major aim of the project is identify regarding the awareness of meningitis in people
and what are the signs of meningitis.
METHODOLOGY
What method did you use for data collection?
Primary method has been used for data collection. This refers to the collection of data
from the first hand sources. This method assures higher relevancy and accuracy related to the
research area (Mazhar et.al. 2021). The questionnaire has been conducted within using primary
method for data collection.
How many questions were there in your questionnaire?
There were total 14 questions was there is the questionnaire.

What questions were asked and why?
The research question that were asked was related to “what are the sign and impacts of
meningitis” and the awareness regarding meningitis. These types of questions have been asked as
it clearly shows the knowledge and understanding of people in relation to the meningitis. The
study has been developed in well-mannered that shows the knowledge of the education.
How many people answered the questionnaire?
There were total 149 respondents who have answered questionnaire.
Sample questionnaire.
Question 1: Gender
A: Male
B: Female
C: Prefer not to say
Question 2: What age group are you
A: 25-34
B: 35-45
C: 45-55
D: >55s
Question 3: What is meningitis?
A: Inflammation of brain
B: Inflammation of membrane surrounds in the brain and spinal cords
C: I don’t know
D: Bacteria
Question 4: Diagnosed with meningitis?
A: No
B: Yes

Question 5: Known anyone who had meningitis?
A: Yes
B: No
Question 6: Received vaccination against meningitis?
A: Yes
B: No
C: Not sure
Question 7: You known someone who died with the complication of meningitis?
A: Yes
B: No
Question 8: Have you ever known the about meningitis before you ill?
A: Yes
B: No
Question 9: Which of the following is true for meningitis?
A: It caused viral/bacteria and rarely fungi/parasites
B: Certain types of meningitis can result in death in a matter of hours
C: Meningitis can result in permanent disabilities such as brain damage hearing loss and learning
disabilities.
D: I don’t know
E: Amputated limbs, epilepsy
Question 10: How meningitis transferred?

A: Kissing and sexual contact
B: Sharing utensils and drinks
C: Sharing smokes
D: Sneezing and coughing
E: I don’t know
Question 11: Sings of meningitis?
A: Stiff Neck, High Fever, Headaches
B: Sleepiness, Light sensitivity, Rash
C: Stomach pain, hearing loss, leg cramps
D: Seizures
Question 12: Which age group is at higher risk of contracting meningitis?
A: Infants and Children
B: Young Adults
C: Adults Middle-aged
D: Over 60+
Question 13: What increases risk of contracting meningitis?
A: Receiving chemotherapy

B: Immune suppressants
C: Diabetes
D: IV drug use
E: Alcoholism
Question 14: Which of the following help prevent meningitis?
A: immunizations /Vaccine
B: Regular hand wash
C: Not sharing food, drinks, straws
D: I am not sure
RESULTS
Interpretation- The majority of the participants was female as compare to men. The 92% of
participants were female.

16.1% 25-34
34.9% 35-45
18.8% 45-55
18.8% >55s 149 responses
Interpretation- The majority of the participants mainly was mainly belongs to the age of 35-44
which was about 34.9% The total number of the respondents was 149 in which the majority was
from the age of 35-44.

61.1% No
38.9% Yes
149 responses
Interpretation- The majority of the participants which was 61.1% was not working in health
care related area and remaining participants up-to the 38.9% of the participants was working in
health care related area. Those participants who are working in healthcare related area has the
better understanding in context of meningitis as they are well-aware about this. Therefore, the
response of those participants is valuable.

16.1% 25-34
34.9% 35-44
18.8% 45-55
18.8% >55s 149 responses
Interpretation- Meningitis refers to the inflammation of the membranes that surrounds the
brain and the spinal cord. This was the correct answer in reference to the question that has asked
to the participants. Total number of participants that has given correct answer was 87.9%. The
majority of the age group that has given the correct answer was from 35-44 and that was up-to
34.9%.
91.3% No
7.4% Yes
149 responses
Interpretation- The total number of participants that has been previously diagnosed of the
meningitis was 7.4% of 149 respondents which is 11 candidates. This has impacted the effect
over the awareness of the candidates in relation of meningitis. Those candidates who got

impacted are highly aware about meningitis in comparison of the participants who were not
affected.
56.4% Yes
43.6% No
149 responses
Interpretation- The total percentage of the participants who knew someone that has been
diagnosed of meningitis was 56.4%. This leads to create the effect over their awareness in
context of meningitis as the participants got to know the impacts of the meningitis through this.

43.6 %Yes
38.36% No
18.1% Not sure
149 responses
Interpretation- In order to know the awareness in relation of the vaccination for meningitis. It
has been asked to the participants whether they have received vaccination for meningitis and it
has been witnessed that from the total number of participants who was 149, 43.6% of the
participants said yes, 38.36% has said no and remaining 18.1% of participants was not sure about
this. This is proper indication of the awareness in relation of meningitis. The majority of the
participants that has received the vaccination was high that states that participants are aware in
this context.

16.8% Yes
82.6% No
149 responses
Interpretation- When it has been asked to participants that whether they know anyone that has
been died due to meningitis then it has been witnessed that only 16.8% of the participants said
yes in this context and remaining 82.6% of the participants said no. Thus, this clearly indicates
that less number of participants has seen the death cases related to meningitis. This has often
created the impact over the awareness of the candidates as those candidates who have seen the
death cases got to know that meningitis is serious diseases that creates threat.

It caused viral/bacteria and rarely fungi/parasites 62.5%
Certain types of meningitis can result in death in a matter of hours 78.5%
Meningitis can result in permanent disabilities such as brain damage hearing loss and learning
disabilities. 79.9%
I don’t know 6%
Amputated limbs, epilepsy 0.6%
Interpretation- The correct answer was that meningitis caused by the viral\bacteria and the
rarely fungi parasites and certain types of meningitis can result in the death matter as well.
Meningitis results in the permanent disabilities that includes the brain damage, hearing loss and
learning disabilities. Also, meningitis leads to create the Amputated limbs, epilepsy. Thus, all the
four statement was correct in context of meningitis. However, many the candidates have not
selected some of the options due to lack of awareness. The candidates were not properly aware
about meningitis along with the causes. Therefore, candidates did not selected some of the
options.

Kissing and sexual contact 55%
Sharing utensils and drinks 45.6%
Sharing smokes 32.2%
Sneezing and coughing 80%
I don’t know, anything that transmit bodily fluids, childbirth, don’t know, I'm not certain,
anything that makes you share respiratory secretions, all the above, not sure and I'm not sure
where all 0.7%
Interpretation- The correct answer is that meningitis can be transmitted from one person to
another person due to Kissing and sexual contact, sharing of the utensils and drinks, sharing of
smokes and through sneezing and coughing. The wrong answer in this context that has been
selected by participants is that it can transmitted through the share of respiratory secretions and
transmit of bodily fluid. The other answers that has been included participants are childbirth,
respiratory secretions and most of the participants was not sure about it. Some of the answers

were correct while some of the answers were wrong and the major reason behind this lack some
participants was aware and while some do not.
Stiff Neck, High Fever, Headaches 87.2%
Sleepiness, Light sensitivity, Rash 88.6%
Stomach pain, hearing loss, leg cramps 21.5%
Seizures 0.7%
Interpretation- The major signs of the meningitis are stiff neck, high fever,
sleepiness, light sensitivity, rash, stomach pain, hearing loss and the leg
cramps. Seizures was the wrong answer in this context. Total number of
participants who selected the correct answers was148. Whereas 1
participant has given the wrong answer.

Infants and Children 89.9%
Young Adults 41,6%
Adults Middle-aged 11.4%
Over 60+ 16.1
Interpretation- Infants, children and young adults are at higher risk due to
meningitis. The majority of the responses was right in this context.
Therefore, it can be said that awareness regarding meningitis in people have
been increased and they are well aware about the age group that may be
affected due to meningitis.

Receiving chemotherapy 48.3%
Immune suppressants 88.6%
Diabetes 28%
IV drug use 27.5%
Alcoholism 14.8%
Again, I actually know, don’t know, not sure, not sure, I'm not certain where
all 0.7%
Interpretation- The major factors that leads to create the risk of
contracting meningitis are receiving chemotherapy, immune suppressants,
diabetes, IV Drug use and Alcoholism. All these factors were the correct
answers and the majority up-to 145 participants was aware about these risk
factors. Few of the participants was not aware about the factors and
therefore, they have selected the options such as “I actually don’t know,
note sure and I am not certain.

immunizations /Vaccine 84.6%
Regular hand wash 32.9%
Not sharing food, drinks, straws 31.5%
I am not sure 11.4%
Interpretation- The correct preventative methods that might help in
preventing meningitis are Immunisation and vaccines and keeping healthy
habits such as regular hand wash and not sharing food, drinks and straws.
Thus, these are the correct answers and 132 participants out of 149
participants have selected this answers.
DISCUSSION
The hypothesis was based on the meningitis risk, prevention and awareness. There were
total number of 137 females as participants and 12 was male the majority of female was higher.
The majority of the respondents was between the age of 35-45. There was 61.1% of the

participants has studies and worked in healthcare related areas. 7.4% of the participants was
diagnosed with meningitis themselves and 56.4 % of the participants has known someone who
has diagnosed with meningitis. Out of 149 respondents, 16.8% of the participants knew someone
who died from meningitis. Thus, it can be analysed on the basis of the collected data that
meningitis has high impacts over the health of people. Often, statistics of UK in this context has
proved that 10,000 cases of meningitis per year has been witnessed. 6% of 149 participants has
selected the wrong definition of meningitis and 87.9% of the people has selected the correct
definition that stated that they were aware about the meningitis. Only 1 person has selected the
wrong symptoms of meningitis.
Out of 149 respondents, 134 participants have selected the right age group that is in risk due to
meningitis. 132 of the respondents has known about each risk factor of meningitis. 126 of the
participants has selected the preventative measures. 43.6% of 149 which is 64 participants were
vaccinated. Thus, all these collected data and information clearly states that meningitis has been
considered as the serious threat that can impact the lives of the people. Also, number of
participants are aware about disease. Often, participants have knowledge about the preventative
measures. The hypothesis has been proven right as meningitis is harmful diseases that often leads
to death and majority of the people is aware in this context (Perez et.al. 2021).
In future, when I would conduct this survey again then I will focus on taking the opinions of
the participants as well in this context. For this I would select interview format and I will analyse
their opinion and on the basis of that conclusion will be drawn.

CONCLUSION
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that there are large number of people who
are facing the health issues. This may include the spread of virus or bacteria that are highly
effective and lead to create high negative health impact. When this illness, is left untreated, then
there is risk of getting coma and other life-threatening impact. There are different side effective
when people with meningitis get recovered, it leads to create permanent disability within people.
There is high negative impact of meningitis which may lead to create high negative health
impact. There are many people with old age get exposed to the risk of getting meningitis which
may lead to create high negative health impact. There are some of the ways and intervention
which can help to reduce the risk of getting meningitis and achieve good health. In this, there is
discussion about the concept of meningitis.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aksamit Jr, A.J. and Berkowitz, A.L., 2021. Meningitis. CONTINUUM: Lifelong Learning in
Neurology. 27(4). pp.836-854.
Chakrabarti et.al. 2018. Outcome of routine cerebrospinal fluid screening for enterovirus and
human parechovirus infection among infants with sepsis-like illness or meningitis in
Cornwall, UK. European journal of paediatrics. 177(10). pp.1523-1529.
Donovan et.al. 2019. The neurocritical care of tuberculous meningitis. The Lancet
Neurology. 18(8). pp.771-783
Griffiths, M.J., McGill, F. and Solomon, T., 2018. Management of acute meningitis. Clinical
Medicine. 18(2). p.164.
Kohil et.al. 2021. Viral meningitis: an overview. Archives of Virology, 166(2), pp.335-345.
Masri et.al. 2018. Recurrent meningitis in children: etiologies, outcome, and lessons to
learn. Child's Nervous System. 34(8). pp.1541-1547..
Mazhar et.al. 2021. Methods of data collection: A fundamental tool of research. Journal of
Integrated Community Health (ISSN 2319-9113). 10(1). pp.6-10.
McGill et.al. 2018. Incidence, aetiology, and sequelae of viral meningitis in UK adults: a
multicentre prospective observational cohort study. The Lancet infectious diseases. 18(9).
pp.992-1003.
Moriguchi et.al. 2020. A first case of meningitis/encephalitis associated with SARS-
Coronavirus-2. International journal of infectious diseases. 94. pp.55-58.
Perez et.al. 2021. Google search behavior for meningitis and its vaccines: an infodemiological
study. BMC neurology. 21(1). pp.1-7.
Quagliarello, V.J. and Scheld, W.M., 2021. Treatment of bacterial meningitis. New England
Journal of Medicine. 336(10). pp.708-716.
Rajasingham et.al. 2019. Cryptococcal meningitis diagnostics and screening in the era of point-
of-care laboratory testing. Journal of clinical microbiology. 57(1). pp.e01238-18.
Ramasamy et.al. 2018. Management of suspected paediatric meningitis: a multicentre
prospective cohort study. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 103(12). pp.1114-1118.
Wright et.al. 2019. Viral (aseptic) meningitis: A review. Journal of the neurological
sciences. 398. pp.176-183.

Online
Meningitis in adults: diagnosis and management, 2018 [Online] Available through:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30387309/