Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Avian Influenza Among Students of Two Public Universities of Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Background and objectives: Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease that causes respiratory failure and has significant public health implications due to its zoonotic potential. Humans are frequently affected after coming into contact with infected birds, body fluid droplets such as those produced during defeathering operations, or other contaminated objects. This study aimed to appraise the students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to avian influenza in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Methods Among the students, 300 were interviewed to collect their knowledge about avian influenza and its zoonotic importance. The study population comprised students studying at two public universities having an age range of <20-50 years. Results Of the 300 respondents, 97.7% and 92.3 % were aware of the term avian influenza contagious infection and its pathogenicity related to zoonotic potential. Correlations show that the student's educational status was positively associated with knowledge of animal-to-animal transmission of avian influenza (p < 0.039). More than 80-90% of participants had knowledge that infected poultry and birds act as a potential source of avian influenza infection. More than 75% of the participants suspect poultry workers, butchers and veterinarians were at high risk of avian influenza infection. Fifty-seven percent of the students were not consulted to the doctor whenever they feel influenza-like symptoms. Washing of hands before and after eating a meal and covering of nose during coughing and sneezing were common. Our study results delineated the association of contagious infection of avian influenza transmission to poultry workers after contact with infected birds (p < 0.004). Conclusion Our study indicated that the knowledge, attitude, and practices of avian among the students were high, which might provide scientific support to the Indonesian government in developing strategies and public health campaigns among the general population to reduce the disease incidence.