Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Related to Avian Influenza among a Rural Community in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Avian influenza (AI) is currently a threat to global health. Prevention and control largely depend on population awareness and behavior.

Aim of study: Is to assess the rural community knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) related to AI prevention and control.

Material and methods: A household survey, using an interviewing questionnaire and observational checklist, was conducted in Bahetim district, Qalubeya Governorate.

Results: Of the total 399, 41.1% were dealing with poultry, of them 26% were raising poultry at their home. Vaccination of birds were reported by 66.6% of the respondents, hand washing regularly with water and soap by 54.6%, and by going far away from infected birds by 51.3%. Nearly 50% mentioned that AI disease cannot be transmitted from person to person and that AI is transmitted to human through contact with sick birds. Regarding their score level, 75.7% of the respondents had fair knowledge level, 87.5% had positive attitude towards prevention and control of AI and 58.1% had fair practice level. Younger persons, those who had completed secondary or higher level of education, those living in nuclear family had better knowledge and positive attitudes towards AI prevention and control (p < 0.05), while age, sex, and education level did not affect their healthy behavior and sanitary practices.

Conclusions and recommendations: The level of community knowledge and practices about AI disease was moderate, but their attitudes were positive. Therefore, designing and implementing health educational programs about AI to improve the community practices should have the priority to encourage people to take a more active role.