BRUCELLOSIS AWARENESS AND RISK FACTORS AMONG POPULATION OF PAGHMAN DISTRICT OF KABUL PROVINCE - AFGHANISTAN.

Zoonoses are a major health problem in Afghanistan but there is very limited data to describe the effectiveness of awareness and management of these disease particularly brucellosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted which focused on Brucellosis awareness among the residents of the targeted area specifically the people holding livestock. The study included both men and women engaged with livestock interventions and people showed the clinical picture of Brucellosis. The study population were of Paghman district in Kabul province of Afghanistan that is a rural area where majority of the residents rely on animals? rearing for their daily income and food. Population being engaged with livestock interventions was identified seeking the help of local veterinary practitioners and VFUs (Veterinary Field Units) in Paghman district. A random selection of households were applied once they were identifies as inclusive segments of this study. A total of 400 people were randomly selected to be interviewed. A structured questionnaire during face to face interviews was used for the study within the context of the study specifically focusing on Brucellosis signs and symptoms. A total of 244 male (61%) and 156 (39%) female were interviewed with outmost efforts to include equal representation and convincing community for females in the study. A major problem was in the equal selection of participants from male and female was cultural constraints at the community level given that women are not allowed to be interviewed. Substantial majorities (77%) of respondents were able to correctly answer to the knowledge of Brucellosis but specific knowledge of signs and symptoms was less consistent. Gender wise respondents? knowledge of brucellosis was higher among men (75%) than women (25%). Brucellosis transmission knowledge of respondents knowing the main routes of agent was found considerably significant since the awareness programs are running at country level. More than half of the both participants both men and women were able to describe the main routes of brucellosis. More than 90% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement that ?brucellosis occurrence can be reduced through improving public awareness?. However, only between 21.1% and 38.3% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that people usually do not follow professionals? advise and changing behaviors to avoid becoming infected with a zoonotic disease. The findings of this study support the need for on-going awareness campaigns at community level. Besides that the capacity-building of professional staff that will improve the ability of residents to safely and effectively diagnose and treat zoonotic disease cases in humans. Joint medical and veterinary approaches are recommended to identify the root cause of the disease spread and at the same time utilize the resources in an effective manner.