Assessing knowledge gaps and empowering Extension workers in Illinois with information on ticks and tickborne diseases through KAP surveys

Chakraborty, S.; Kopsco, H.; Evans, C.; Mateus-Pinilla, N.; Smith, R.L.

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25789

Heliyon

2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25789

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Assessing knowledge gaps and empowering Extension workers in Illinois with information on ticks and tickborne diseases through KAP surveys

S. Chakraborty,

H. Kopsco,

C. Evans

et al.

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2024

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Cited by 3 publications

References 35 publications

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Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec

Fellin,

Varin,

Millien

2024

Zoonoses and Public Health

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Background and AimsLyme disease is a well‐known occupational risk across North America caused by exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi via blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). As the geographic range of B. burgdorferi advances with the increasing distribution of blacklegged ticks, more outdoor workers are at risk of contracting Lyme disease. In this study, we examined the demography and personal perceptions of outdoor workers within one framework to better determine the overall risk for those working outdoors.Methods and ResultsWe analysed outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and of behaviours that can prevent tick bites and Lyme disease. We then compared these risk perceptions of individuals across age, sex, education, and industry, as well as time spent outdoors. We tested the hypothesis that the risk perception of an individual and their knowledge of Lyme disease transmission was dependent on their demographics, experience in their job, and the region in which they spend time outdoors. We estimated a knowledge‐based risk score based on individuals' answers to a questionnaire on risk perception given to voluntary participants who work outdoors. Those who had higher risk scores were more at risk. We found that knowledge‐based risk scores were correlated with geographic risk levels and with the number of hours per day spent outdoors. Those who work longer hours and who work in areas with mid‐level risk had higher risk scores. Those who spend more time outdoors recreationally had lower risk scores.ConclusionsFurther examination and acknowledgment of the reasoning behind why these factors are affecting workers' risks must be considered to recognize that it is not necessarily demographics or geographically high‐risk areas that affect an individual's risk. Workers' knowledge of these risks is affected by several variables that should be taken into consideration when implementing safety measures and awareness programs.

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Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec

Fellin,

Varin,

Millien

2024

Zoonoses and Public Health

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Unveiling Misconceptions among Small-Scale Farmers Regarding Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Balochistan, Pakistan

Ullah,

Khan,

Liaqat

et al. 2024

Veterinary Sciences

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Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose potential health threats to small-scale farmers of grazing animals in the upper highlands of Balochistan, Pakistan. This study was conducted based on a questionnaire survey involving 153 farmers of grazing animals in seven districts to access their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and TBDs. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, based on Fisher’s test, were used to assess risk factors for determining preventive measures. The findings revealed a low level of knowledge among the participants. For instance, there was a lack of awareness of the effects of climate change and the economic impact of ticks on animal health. The essential precautions, such as the non-indiscriminate use of acaricides, wearing dark-colored clothing, and limiting children’s interaction with grazing animals, were often overlooked. However, the farmers had a positive attitude towards tick control, but they mostly relied on the knowledge of local communities. The neglect of such measures places these farmers and their children at risk of contracting TBDs. This study also indicates minimal involvement from the government in educating farmers and controlling ticks. The role of stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental organizations, veterinary doctors, and local farmer communities, is crucial to address these issues and to implement effective training programs that address misconceptions about ticks and TBDs. Overall, this study highlights the importance of implementing awareness and education programs to address the misconceptions about ticks and TBDs among farmers.

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Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception (KAP) of Sheep Farmers Regarding Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Tunisia, North Africa

Khamassi Khbou,

Rekik,

Romdhane

et al. 2024

Veterinary Sciences

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Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are a threat to human and animal health worldwide. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes/practices, and perceptions (KAP) of 86 farmers of extensive sheep farming systems across different agro-ecological areas in Tunisia. The response rate was about 91.3%. Overall, 68.5% of the questions referring to knowledge and perceptions were answered correctly. Indeed, about half of the respondents were aware that ticks infest animals, with weight loss given as the major consequence. However, more than half of the farmers were unaware of the transmission and vectorial role of ticks. Those who knew that ticks are vectors cited microbes and icterus as the main concerns. A broad majority of farmers (70.9%) stated that they removed the attached ticks manually and 45.3% crushed them. As acaricides were perceived to be efficient for fighting ticks, according to 97.7% of the sheep farmers, they were used for both the animals and their sleeping areas. Although the toxicity of acaricides is known, 59.3% of the respondents did not use personal protection equipment when applying these products. Taken together, gaps in KAP among sheep farmers were identified. It can be used to better design awareness communication tools for TBPs.

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Assessing knowledge gaps and empowering Extension workers in Illinois with information on ticks and tickborne diseases through KAP surveys

Cited by 3 publications

References 35 publications

Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec

Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec

Unveiling Misconceptions among Small-Scale Farmers Regarding Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Balochistan, Pakistan

Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception (KAP) of Sheep Farmers Regarding Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Tunisia, North Africa

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