Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding brucellosis among general population: A cross-sectional study from Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic infection in Saudi Arabia, including Jazan Province, and epidemiological reports about this disease are limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding brucellosis among the general population of Jazan Province, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted using a pretested questionnaire that assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward Brucellosis. The calculated sample size was 384, and 1,055 participants were included representing various genders, ages, and levels of education. Data were collected between March and April 2022 and analyzed using descriptive, chi-square, and t-test analyses. Results: Only 50% of the included participants have heard about Brucellosis. Among those who had heard about Brucellosis, 70% had a good knowledge about Brucellosis and that was significantly associated with male gender, being healthcare workers (HCWs), and having a higher level of education. Participants who directly involved in animal care represented 9%, and attitudes and practices regarding brucellosis were varied from average to unsatisfactory. This variation was significantly affected by the level of knowledge. Conclusion: About 50% of the general population of Jazan Province had never heard about Brucellosis, in a region found prevalent for this disease. Good knowledge was recorded in 70% of those who were aware of Brucellosis, which was significantly associated with the male sex, job as being HCW, and having a higher level of education. These results necessitate public awareness campaign activities to improve knowledge and practices, especially among women, the younger generation, and individuals with limited educational backgrounds. This action could reduce the burden of the disease.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Brucellosis Among the General Population in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Marital status also emerged as a significant predictor of awareness, with married individuals showing higher levels of awareness compared to other social statuses. These findings mirror the results of a study in Jazan, where being married was associated with better awareness and knowledge of the disease [ 7 ]. Educational level and monthly income were identified as important factors associated with awareness.…”

“…Educational level and monthly income were identified as important factors associated with awareness. Higher educational levels and income were consistently linked to increased awareness of brucellosis in this study and in other studies [ 6 , 7 , 11 ]. These findings suggest that socioeconomic factors play a role in shaping knowledge and awareness levels regarding brucellosis.…”

“…This finding is consistent with other studies conducted in different regions, suggesting that older age groups tend to have a better understanding of brucellosis. This finding indicates the importance of targeted awareness campaigns and educational initiatives in enhancing the knowledge and understanding of brucellosis among younger age groups [ 6 , 7 ].​​​​​…”

“…The preventive practices undertaken by livestock owners against brucellosis vary from average to unsatisfactory. Interestingly, the study revealed that having good knowledge has no significant influence on their practices [ 7 ]. Similarly, a study conducted in the Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia with 311 participants showed that the majority have a fair knowledge and satisfactory attitudes and practices regarding brucellosis.…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding brucellosis in a rural population: A cross-sectional study

“…Previous studies have delved into the multifaceted aspects of brucellosis awareness and practices, revealing distinctive patterns across diverse populations. In a cross-sectional study conducted in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia [ 13 ], a stark revelation emerged as only half of the participants were acquainted with brucellosis. Nonetheless, 70% of those aware demonstrated commendable knowledge, particularly among males, healthcare workers, and those with higher education.…”