KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES SURVEY ON AVIAN INFLUENZA IN THREE DISTRICTS OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Avian influenza (AI) could have potential public health threat inBangladesh. The present study aimed to acquire the information on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the backyard and commercial poultry farmers, farm workers, live bird seller, live bird market workers and transporters, and identify risk factors related to KAP on poultry rearing and other practices pertaining to AI. This survey was conducted in Gazipur, Mymensingh (AI reported districts) and Habiganj (AI non-affected district). A total number of 600 respondents were interviewed with a structured questionnaire prepared in Magpi and data were collected using Android smart phone. More than half (55.7%) respondents had heard about AI and mass media was the predominant source of information (46.7%). A total of 60.2% of the respondents agreed that AI is a serious and 65.7% agreed that it is a preventable disease. Regarding hygienic practices 32% respondents use disinfectant regularly and 73.2% respondents wash hands after handling of birds. Protective measures such as the use of gloves and mask were not used by 93% respondents. The results indicated a higher knowledge score among the respondents of affected areas than those of non-affected areas. Regarding the attitude score, it was revealed that 54.5% of respondents had good attitude scores towards AI. That is understood that the majority of respondents had positive attitude towards AI. Regarding the practices score, it revealed that 49.5% had practice at a satisfactory level. The practice score was more satisfactory among the respondents of affected areas than those of non-affected areas. The information on levels of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding AI gathered in this study could provide scientific support to assist theBangladeshgovernment in developing strategies and health education campaigns to prevent transmission of the AI virus among the general population.