Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of domestic animal farmers in Saudi Arabia with regards to Brucellosis
Introduction: Brucellosis is bacterial zoonotic infection that is endemic in Saudi Arabia and associated with significant clinical and economic impacts. Several studies from different countries endemic for brucellosis evaluated the knowledge and attitude of domestic animal farmers regarding brucello...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-03-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Infectious Diseases |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971224005745 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Brucellosis is bacterial zoonotic infection that is endemic in Saudi Arabia and associated with significant clinical and economic impacts. Several studies from different countries endemic for brucellosis evaluated the knowledge and attitude of domestic animal farmers regarding brucellosis. However, no such study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of domestic animal farmers in various regions in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, where participants were interviewed in-person in Arabic. Eligible participants were domestic animal farmers who were approached in livestock markets and local farms in different regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included basic demographics and questions to assess the knowledge about brucellosis and the attitude toward personal protection and protection of the animals from brucellosis. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated survey but was edited, translated, and validated via piloting to be applicable to the local practice (Madzingira; 2022). Results: 545 participants were interviewed (291 farmers, 118 commercial owners, 113 private owners, and 23 animal slaughterhouse workers). Most farmers lacked school education compared to private owners who mostly held a college degree. >90% of the participants have heard of brucellosis. Overall, lack of school education and short work experience (<5 years) were negatively associated with good knowledge of brucellosis symptoms and transmission to humans and animals (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.10-0.94; P=0.038 and OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08-0.62; P=0.004, respectively). Taking sick animals to the veterinarian was reported by 61.2%, whereas 36.4% stated safe practices when disposing of aborted fetuses. While 34% consume raw milk, only 10% consume meat that is rare/medium-rare. 51.2% acknowledged the need for more information on brucellosis, preferably from the Ministry of Health. Discussion: Most participants were aware of brucellosis, but a knowledge gap regarding its symptoms and transmission was observed. These results resemble findings from a similar study from Jordan (Musallam; 2015). The similarity was also seen with regards to the lack of safe practice of disposing of aborted fetuses (28.8% vs. 36.4% in our study), but not with regards to raw milk consumption (60% vs. 34% in our study). A survey of the Saudi public regarding brucellosis found a significant association between higher educational levels and good knowledge of the disease (Alqahtani; 2021), which is similar to our opposite finding that lack of education was associated with poor knowledge. Conclusion: This study revealed the need to augment the knowledge of people working with animals, particularly those with no school education and those with short work experience, to identify human and animal brucellosis symptoms and how to protect oneself and animals from this disease that is known to be endemic in Saudi Arabia. |
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| ISSN: | 1201-9712 |