Epidemiological risk factors of knowledge and preventive practice regarding avian influenza among poultry farmers and live bird traders in Ikorodu, Lagos State

This study determined the risk factors that predict adequate knowledge and good preventive practice measures towards AI, among poultry farmers and live bird traders in Ikorodu, Lagos State South-western Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted with questionnaire on socio- demographics, knowledge of definition, and transmission of avian influenza administered to 244 respondents at interview. Descriptive, Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were carried out to explore associations between demographic characteristics, knowledge and preventive practice scores. All levels of significance were set at p<0.05. The total knowledge score computed on a 25-item scale revealed a mean total knowledge of 9.9 (SD±6.6). Respondents aged <20years, live bird traders and those with no formal education had the poorest knowledge. The total preventive practice score regarding avian influenza on a 9-item scale revealed a mean of 5.3 (SD±2.1). Younger respondents, live bird traders; those with no tertiary education and those that had spent <24months in their profession had the poorest preventive practice score. Logistic regression analysis shows that increasing education (p<0.05) significantly predicted adequate knowledge of avian influenza and good preventive practice among respondents. A sustained biosecurity combined with knowledge of transmission, zoonotic and pandemic risk training will improve prevention and control.
Source: International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research