scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on African Animal Trypanosomosis and its vectors Among Small-Holder Farmers Neighbouring Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya: A Cross Sectional Study

Author(s):  
ERICK KIBICHIY SEREM ◽  
Moses Mukaba Ngari ◽  
Joel Ltilitan Bargul ◽  
Osman Abdikarim Abdullahi ◽  
David Mburu

Abstract Background: Animal African trypanosomosis (AAT) is a disease caused by several protozoan parasites transmitted by tsetse fly (genus Glossina). AAT causes massive losses to farmers due to the high cost of control measures and treatment of sick animals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the local community on tsetse flies and trypanosomosis and evaluate demographic factors associated with adequate knowledge of tsetse flies along Kenya coast. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between November and December 2017 among 404 cattle farmers living near the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve in Kilifi County. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from randomly selected cattle rearing households. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the local community's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding tsetse flies and trypanosomosis, and demographic factors associated with knowledge of tsetse flies were investigated using a logistic regression model.Results: Of 404 study participants, 214 (53%) were female, and 123 (30%) were elderly (>55 years old). Majority (N=312, 77%) were married, and 326 (81%) had only primary education or none at all. Although majority of farmers (N=353, 89%) knew the local name for tsetse fly and that they are about the size of a housefly (N=307, 77%), only 65 (16%) knew they transmit diseases to livestock, with 55/65 (85%) identifying they transmit Nagana disease. Overall, only 16% of the study participants had adequate knowledge on tsetse flies and trypanosomosis. Being 15 to 24 years old (aOR 2.86 (95% CI 1.10–7.45)) compared to those aged >55 years, secondary education (aOR 2.45 (95% CI 1.42–4.21)) and tertiary education level (aOR 3.78 (95% CI 1.53–9.31)) compared to no education were significantly associated with higher odds of tsetse fly adequate knowledge. Unemployment (aOR 0.15 (95% CI 0.10–0.23)) was significantly associated with lower odds of tsetse fly adequate knowledge when compared to self-employment.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that farmers have poor understanding of trypanosomosis and its biological transmission by tsetse flies. Thus, training of livestock farmers will contribute to improved livestock health through better understanding of key livestock diseases, their vectors in transmission, and control.

Author(s):  
Zamadonda Xulu-Kasaba ◽  
Khathutshelo Mashige ◽  
Kovin Naidoo

In South Africa, primary eye care is largely challenged in its organisational structure, availability of human and other resources, and clinical competency. These do meet the standard required by the National Department of Health. This study seeks to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on eye health amongst Human Resources for eye health (HReH) and their managers, as no study has assessed this previously. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 districts of a South African province. A total of 101 participants completed self-administered, close-ended, Likert-scaled questionnaires anonymously. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted, and values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Most participants had adequate knowledge (81.6%), positive attitudes (69%), and satisfactory practices (73%) in eye health. HReH showed better knowledge than their managers (p < 0.01). Participants with a university degree, those aged 30–44 years, and those employed for <5 years showed a good attitude (p < 0.05) towards their work. Managers, who supervise and plan for eye health, were 99% less likely to practice adequately in eye health when compared with HReH (aOR = 0.012; p < 0.01). Practices in eye health were best amongst participants with an undergraduate degree, those aged 30–44 years (aOR = 2.603; p < 0.05), and participants with <5 years of employment (aOR = 26.600; p < 0.01). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices were found to be significantly moderately correlated with each other (p < 0.05). Eye health managers have poorer knowledge and practices of eye health than the HReH. A lack of direction is presented by the lack of adequately trained directorates for eye health. It is therefore recommended that policymakers review appointment requirements to ensure that adequately trained and qualified directorates be appointed to manage eye health in each district.


Author(s):  
Mukhtiar Baig ◽  
Tahir Jameel ◽  
Sami H Alzahrani ◽  
Ahmad A Mirza ◽  
Zohair J Gazzaz ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo explore the predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of the Saudi population and its impact.DesignAn online cross-sectional study.SettingJeddah, Saudi Arabia.ParticipantsA total of 2006 participants [953(47.5%) females, and 1053(52.5%) males], and more than 18 years of age were included in the study.Data collection and analysisThis cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University (KAU). The participants were approached by social media (SM). An online questionnaire was administered, and the data were analyzed on SPSS-26.ResultsThe SM was the leading source of information 889(43.9%). Two-thirds of the participants, 1250(66.9%) had various misconceptions, and about one-third of the study participants 637(31.7%) had disturbed social, mental, and psychological wellbeing, and many participants became more religious. Two-thirds of the study participants, 1292(68.1%) had good knowledge score. The attitude was highly positive in 1867(93.1%) participants’, and the practice score was adequate in 1939(97.7%). The participants’ educational status was the predictor of good knowledge. Male gender and divorced ones were the predictor of poor practice scores and age 51-60 years, private jobholders, and students were the predictors of the good practice scores. The Saudi nationality was the predictor of participants’ positive attitude, while the male gender and divorced ones were predictors of a negative attitude. The male gender and higher education status were the predictors of good concepts, while the older age and job (own business) were the predictors of misconceptions.ConclusionOur study observed several predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the Saudi population. Our participants had a good realization of the impact of this pandemic.Strengths and limitationsOurs is the first study involving the general population of Saudi Arabia at a time when COVID-19 has tremendously affected the society.The use of a validated questionnaire has strengthened the study results.The sample size is adequate and representing different segments of society.One of the limitations is the convenience sampling method.Besides, the study used an online questionnaire, so we could not reach the section of society that is not using the internet.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
HAUSHIKU KEMBA ◽  
Tshifhiwa Nkwenika ◽  
Vusumusi Nkosi

Abstract Background: Knowing the residents' knowledge, attitude, and practices to air pollution is necessary for developing interventions specific to that population. Air pollution remains a neglected environmental concern in Windhoek, Namibia and people’s perceptions about air pollution and health have not been documented. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of tertiary students to air pollution in Windhoek. Methods: Students from five tertiary institutions in Windhoek, Namibia were included in cross sectional study. A previously validated structured questionnaire; designed to collect information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution was used to collect data from 321 randomly selected study participants.Results: More than half (59.4%) of the study participants thought that air pollution was a major problem, while over 90% knew that air pollution could negatively impact health. The media was found to be the main source of information for study participants (91.1%). Despite having the knowledge, less than a third (27%) of the respondents regularly took action out of concern of air pollution. There was a statistically significant association between knowledge, attitudes, and practices to air pollution (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: Air pollution interventions targeting tertiary students should be aimed at informing them on ways in which they could contribute individually and collectively to reducing air pollution and its negative effects.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. e0000104
Author(s):  
Method Kazaura ◽  
Switbert Rwechungura Kamazima

Almost 10 million of the global population was infected with tuberculosis (TB) in 2017. Tanzania is among countries with high incidence of TB. Although control measures of TB are multi factorial, it is important to understand the individual’s knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in order to control TB infection. We conducted a cross-sectional study in northeast Tanzania; recruited and interviewed 1519 adults from two districts, one rural and another urban. We scored each participant using several questions for each construct of KAP. A study participant scoring at least 60% of the possible maximum scores was considered as having a good knowledge, positive attitude or good practices. And herein, a participant having positive TB attitude would mean they acknowledge TB exist, recognizes its impact on health and would seek or advise TB-infected individuals to seek the correct remedies. We applied multiple linear regression analysis to assess independent individual-level factors related to TB on KAP scores in the rural and urban populations. Overall, less than half (44%) of the study participants had good overall knowledge about TB infection and significantly more urban than rural adult population had good overall knowledge (p<0.001). Almost one in ten, (11%) of all study participants had positive attitudes towards TB infection. More urban study participants, (16%) had positive attitudes than their rural counterparts, 6%). Almost nine in ten (89%) of all study participants had good practices towards TB prevention and control; significantly more adults in urban, (97%) than the rural populations (56%) (p<0.01). Predictors of KAP scores were individual’s education and main source of income. Adults in rural and urban northeast Tanzania have poor knowledge, attitudes and practices for TB infection and prevention. Strategies focusing on health education are important for control of TB, especially among rural communities.


Author(s):  
Chamindri Witharana ◽  
Kithmini Siridewa ◽  
Manuj Weerasinghe ◽  
Indika Karunathilake

Background Recently, a surge of COVID 19 was observed globally, regionally and nationally. With increasing numbers of cases, the frequency of long COVID is on the rise. Management and control of long COVID depend on changes in respect of human behaviors and requires an understanding of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding health threats. MethodsA descriptive cross sectional study using online survey to gather data on the socio-economic background, knowledge, attitudes and practices on long-term complications of COVID. Results: Out of 201 respondents, 89.2% participants have heard about long-term complications of COVID 19. Only 35.9% have demonstrated adequate knowledge in the questions relating to co-morbidities and risk factors of COVID-19. A total of 92.2% believe that they should adhere to preventive measures following vaccination. Less than 60 % were following the advice on avoiding unnecessary travel and crowded places. Further, less than 50% were following COVID preventive measures. ConclusionAlthough the majority of participants have heard about long-term complications and common symptoms, the knowledge regarding co-morbidities that can lead to severe disease and long COVID was not satisfactory. The attitudes of the participants indicated increasing concern about long COVID. Practices indicate lack of adherence to key measures such as avoiding crowded places. These findings highlight the need for further increasing of awareness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Owono Etoundi ◽  
Junette Arlette Metogo Mbengono ◽  
Ferdinand Ndom Ntock ◽  
Joel Noutakdie Tochie ◽  
Dominique Christelle Anaba Ndom ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 100184
Author(s):  
Maria de Fátima Carvalho Alves ◽  
Maria da Luz Lima Mendonça ◽  
Janice de Jesus Xavier Soares ◽  
Silvânia Leal ◽  
Menilita dos Santos ◽  
...  

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