Knowledge, attitudes, practices among farmers and traders and risk factors to occurrence of anthrax in Madi-Okollo District

Abstract

Anthrax is a serious zoonotic disease and of public health importance in Uganda. The outbreaks in Madi-Okollo have caused severe infections and deaths in both livestock and humans and negative consequences to house hold economy. This study was, therefore, aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, practices among farmers and traders and risk factors to occurrence of anthrax in Rhino camp and Rigbo subcounty, Madi-Okollo district of Uganda. A cross sectional, mixed approach survey was conducted. In this study, questionnaires were used concurrently with focus group discussions and key informants’ interview. Of the 247 respondents, 229 farmers and traders were issued questionnaires. In addition, two focus group discussions comprised of 16 members and two key informants’ interviews were conducted. High proportion of 85.2% (196/299) knew signs of anthrax. More than half 58.1% (132/299) and 36.2% (83/299) of the respondent stated that cattle and herdsmen were most at risk of getting anthrax. Less than half 41.9% (96/229) visit health facilities in case of suspected anthrax cases while 30.5% (70/229) from drug shops and 14.5% (34/229) from traditional healers. Much as 68.6% (157/229) claimed anthrax in humans and animals is preventable, the respondents on the other hand have poor attitudes towards health staff at 60.3% (138/229) and veterinary staff 57.6% (132/229) towards prevention and control of anthrax. Less than three quarters of respondents 60.3% (138/229) practice vaccinations and a quarter 24% (55/229) used blanthrax vaccine. Less than a half 49.8% (114/229) vaccinate once every year. This is insufficient enough to protect animals against anthrax. Almost half 49.1% (113/229) used Caws to treat suspected anthrax cases. More than half 56.8% (130/229) of the respondents consumed carcass of animals that died suddenly. This was due to cultural beliefs 33% (76/229), lack of money to buy meat 28.7% (67/229) and disregard to health advice of not getting sick after eating such carcasses 28.2% (64/229). In this study, the knowledge of the respondents was better than attitudes and attitudes were also better than practices. The main risk factors were poverty and entrenched cultural belief. Government and public health experts needed to get holistic approach in preventing the disease through regular community cantered awareness campaigns.