A cross sectional study of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding zoonotic diseases among agricultural workers

Abstract

ntroduction: Zoonoses are the naturally transmitted infections between vertebrate animals andhumans. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge,attitude and practice regarding zoonotic diseases among agricultural workers using a structuredquestionnaire to obtain information on knowledge, awareness about zoonotic diseases, source ofinfection, modes of transmission, hygienic practices and treatment methods followed by the studysubjects. A total of 139 agricultural workers were selected from Saripalli village, Vizianagaramdistrict, Andhra Pradesh, India. Selection of study subjects was done on basis of presence oflivestock. Results: The mean age of the study population is 43.63 + 2.84 years.Proportion of thosewho knew that infections transmit from livestock to humans were 96.4%. 75.37% had knowledgeabout transmission of zoonotic diseases and in this 58.2% believe that these diseases aretransmitted through direct contact. Regarding transmission of zoonotic diseases throughconsumption of milk and meat was only 27.33% and 18.23% which was found very low. 77% ofrespondents showed positive attitude towards use of protective and safety measures but in reality,only 32% of them showed positive practice. Only 58.9% were practicing regular hand washing andonly 44.6% clean the animal sheds with ordinary water. 67.20% of them pay a visit to health carefacility while 13.8% use traditional methods and remaining 19 % do nothing when any of the animalin their livestock gets sick. Conclusion: Major proportion of agricultural workers have adequateknowledge about zoonotic diseases and its transmission but lack proper practice methods inprevention and control of these diseases.