KNOWLEDGE AND COMPLIANCE OF POULTRY WORKERS REGARDING PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST AVIAN INFLUENZA IN LAGELU, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Approximately 1.5 million birds have been culled as a result of Avian Influenza (Al) outbreak among poultries in Nigeria and one human fatal case had been reported. Poultry workers' knowledge of the factors which may influence its spread is yet to be adequately documented. Knowledge and Compliance of poultry workers regarding preventive measures against AI in Lagelu Local Government Area (LGA) were therefore assessed. A cross-sectional study was carried out during the months of August to October, 2007. A two stage cluster random sampling technique was used to select 254 poultry workers from 14 wards in the LGA. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire contained a 55-point knowledge scale and a 10- point fear rating scale. Knowledge scores which ranged from 0-32 and 33 and above were considered poor and good knowledge respectively. Descriptive, Chi-square and multiple logistic regression statistics were used for data analysis. The poultry workers had a mean age of 31.5±9.9 years, with 55.9% of them being males. The median duration of engagement in poultry work was two years and the range was 25 years. Types of poultry related work performed included feeding of poultry (79.9%), picking of eggs (63.0%) and sweeping/packing of poultry droppings (62.2%). Most respondents(94.1 %) had heard about Al with the media (74.8%) constituting their main source of information. Seventy-two percent correctly defined Al. Modes of transmission of Al mentioned by the participants included bird-to-bird (82.3%), bird-to-human (59.4%) and human-to-human transmission (15%). Preventive measures mentioned included regular washing of hands (79.9%), wearing of aprons (73.2%) and face-masks (66.1 %). Overall,only 24.8% had good knowledge of Al with a mean knowledge score of 25.3±10.6.Significant predictors of good knowledge included at least two years of experience in a poultry): farm and awareness from mass media, veterinary/medical doctors or poultry workers association (p<0.05). On a scale of 1 to 10, the median rating of fear of getting the All among respondents was 5. Majority (82.3%) perceived Al to be a serious but preventable disease. The preventive measures adopted by the respondents included regular hand washing.