Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding rift valley fever among community members, health and veterinary workers in Kongwa and Kilombero districts, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Rift valley fever (RVF) is an acute febrile viral disease caused by Rift Valley Fever virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and other blood sucking insects. It is a global re-emerging zoonotic disease with rapid socio-economic and public health impact. A large RVF outbreak occurred in Tanzania in 2007 and affected 52.4% (n=21) of regions with high (47%) case fatality rate. There is paucity of information on knowledge, attitudes and practices among Tanzanian community regarding RVF. A study was therefore conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding RVF to provide baseline information to design interventions Objectives: This study was conducted with the aim to assess knowledge of, determine health seeking practice, describe attitudes towards, and determine perception of risk of RVF among community members, health and veterinary workers in Kongwa and Kilombero districts. Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among head of households, health and veterinary workers in Kilombero and Kongwa districts in November 2011. Administered questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to collect data from household members and in depth interview from health and veterinary workers. Multi stage sampling was used to obtain participants. Knowledge and attitudes questions were scored and the mean score analysed using SPSS version 17, INVIVO version 8 used for qualitative data. Results: A total of 463 community members recruited in this study. Their mean (SD) age was 39.8 (14.4) ranging, 18-87 years. Of these, female were 51.4% and 51% lived in Kongwa district. Majority 87.3% were peasants, 61.8% completed primary education, and 79.0% were married. Out of 463, 452 (97.5%) they had heard about RVF. Mean (SD) knowledge score was 3.1 (2.6) ranging min-max, 0-15. Of the 452, 369 (81.6%) were not aware of the vectors spreading RVF while 298 (65.9%) did not know its symptoms in animals. Regarding RVF infection in humans, 330 (73.7%) knew about consuming the meat of a dead or sick animal; furthermore 318 (70.4%) were not aware of symptoms. Community’s attitude towards RVF was high, with a mean score 24.9 (3.7) ranging, 7-35 scores. Majority 337 (74.6%)reported seeking care for febrile illness at health facilities. Less than half 110 (24.3%) reported the use of protective gears to handle dead animal while 15.5% were consuming dead carcasses. For 320 (70.8%) and 91 (20.1%) respondents their main source of information about RVF were radio and friends respectively. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that, knowledge about symptoms, transmission and prevention of rift valley fever among community members was very low in this study, although attitudes are positive. Practices in this study were still risk among community members. Health planners should design RVF awareness interventions targeting to reach these communities and the public through radio and other communication channel on a regular basis.