A quantitative investigation of knowledge and practices of human brucellosis in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Human brucellosis, a neglected zoonosis is endemic in Kajiado County in both man and livestock. The Kajiado County community’s main livelihood is livestock-keeping which puts it at risk. The study objective was to determine the community’s knowledge and practices, and the association between the two in relation to brucellosis. Results revealed three predictors of practices the community undertook that put them at risk of contracting brucellosis. The predictors were respondent’s education status ( p=0.002 [CI 0.272-0.749] OR 0.451), knowledge of importance of pre-purchase livestock breeding soundness (p=0.007 [CI 1.207-3.356] OR 2.013), and knowledge that livestock abortions could result in human disease ( p=0.027 [CI 1.070-2.974] OR 1.783). This meant that respondents without formal education were nearly half less likely to undertake practices that prevented transmission of brucellosis than those with formal education. Respondents who knew that livestock examination was important for breeding soundness were twice more likely to engage in practices that prevented brucellosis transmission than those who did not know. Respondents who knew that livestock abortions could lead to diseases in man were nearly twice more likely to engage in practices that prevented transmission of brucellosis than those who did not know that livestock abortions could lead to diseases in man. It was concluded that the community’s knowledge and practices that promote brucellosis were inadequate. Two key recommendations were drawn. There was need to create awareness in the community on the risk factors and practices that contribute to occurrence of human brucellosis. There was need for using qualified animal health providers to mitigate the disease in animals.