Awareness of zoonotic infections and preventive measures and the practice of those measures among farm workers in a livestock farm, Galle

Abstract

Introduction: Livestock farm workers are at higher risk of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infections. To mitigate the risk, awareness of diseases and practice of preventive measures is important. Objective of the study was to assess the awareness of zoonotic infections and preventive measures and practice of those measures among farm workers in a livestock farm, Galle. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 108 farm workers of a selected farm, Galle. Awareness of existence of zoonotic infections, disease specific knowledge on ‘leptospirosis’, ‘rabies’, ‘brucellosis’, ‘swine & avian influenza’ and practice of preventive measures at their work setting (i.e., hand washing, personal protective equipment usage, disinfectant usage) were assessed using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Using Chi-square test, associations with knowledge and practices were assessed. Results: Response rate was 100%. Leptospirosis, rabies and swine and avian influenza were known diseases to majority (99.1%, 97.2% and 86.1% respectively) of participants. Most of them had good knowledge on disease specific questions: leptospirosis 98.2%, rabies 88.9% and swine & avian influenza 70.4%. But brucellosis was known by 4.6% while only 0.9% were having good knowledge about brucellosis. With regards to the practices of preventive measures, majority (92.6%) displayed good practices. Statistically significant associations between socio demographic factors (i.e., level of education, time spent with animals in a day, monthly income) and awareness of zoonotic infections or practices of preventive methods could not be found (p =0.05). Conclusion: Awareness of farm workers on zoonotic infections were satisfactory. Further encouragement is preferred to continue better practices.