Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Surveillance for Human Anthrax Among Veterinary and Health Professionals in Western Province of Zambia
Abstract:
Background: The need to strengthen surveillance systems to control and prevent anthrax disease outbreaks is essential, as 60% of emerging, re-emerging human diseases originate from pathogens that originally circulated in non-human animal species. The study aimed to determine the knowledge, Attitude and practice of surveillance for anthrax prevention among health and veterinary professionals.
Methods: We conducted Cross-sectional study among Health and veterinary professionals. A Semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of surveillance of the 203 study participants aged 18 years and above within selected districts of the study area. The participants were randomly sampled within selected districts of the study area and the districts and facilities were purposively sampled. Data was collected using questioners administered through face-to-face interviews. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics for socio-demographic characteristics, logistic regression, odd ratio test and chi-square test was used for bivariate analyses. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2016, and then exported to and IBM SPSS Statistics 26 for further analysis.
Results: The study found that 90% of the participants had knowledge of disease surveillance, only 23% could mention all the components. 84% of the respondents reported willingness to participate in a routine sentinel surveillance system. 91% of Health professionals and 83% of veterinary professionals were knowledgeable about surveillance. The variables statistically significantly associated with knowledge were; district (OR 0.141, 95% CI 0.049 0.404 p = 0.001), service unit (OR 0.341, 95% CI 0.179 0.650 p = 0.001), Qualification (OR 1.068, 95% CI 0.27 4.228, p 0.012) and Type of Profession (OR 12.631, 95% CI 0.898 In Zambia, strengthening surveillance systems is important because Anthrax is endemic in Zambia's Luangwa Valley and Zambezi floodplain.177.641, p 0.056) as a marginal predictor. All 20 facilities were able to diagnose anthrax based on clinical symptoms, only 10% of facilities had the capacity for laboratory confirmation of anthrax diagnosis; 55% of facilities treated anthrax cases on-site, and 45% referred cases.
Conclusion: The study shows better knowledge, attitudes, and practices adhered to WHO standards. However, the study reveals gaps in the comprehensive understanding of disease surveillance components despite professionals’ willingness to participate in surveillance. District location, service unit, qualification, and profession type significantly influence knowledge. Strengthening surveillance systems, especially in anthrax-endemic areas like Zambia, remains crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
