Browsing by Author "Ojuka, Boniface Etime"

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    Knowledge, attitude, and practices of livestock farmers, abattoir workers and butchers towards prevention and control of brucell osisin Kwania distict.
    (Busitema University, 2025) Ojuka, Boniface Etime
    Brucellosis remains an important but neglected zoonosis in Uganda with 379 confirmed brucellosis cases recorded in Kwania District between 2021 and 2024 (HMIS, 2025). Risky behaviors and practices still remain common among the rural communities thereby increasing exposure. Despite this, community misconceptions such as the belief that brucellosis only comes from eating meat persist. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of livestock farmers, butchers, and abattoir workers regarding brucellosis prevention and control in Kwania District. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 251 respondents in three purposively selected sub counties (Aduku Town Council, Ayabi sub county and Chawente sub county) of Kwania District between August and September 2025. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, and Chi-square tests used to determine the associations between KAP and socio-demographic variables. Knowledge was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.048) but not with occupation (p = 0.513) or education (p =0.380). Overall, 78.1% of respondents had positive attitudes towards brucellosis control which varied significantly by occupation (p =0.001) but not by sex (p = 0.731). In contrast, practice level was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.045) but not occupation (p = 0.417). The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 36.9%, 3.79 (±0.48), and 26.5% (±19.2), respectively. The study concluded that awareness on brucellosis among livestock handlers in Kwania District is relatively high, accurate knowledge and safe practices remains poor. Positive attitudes are not being translated into behavioral changes, with most respondents still having high risky practices. The study underscores an urgent need for community-based health education, occupational training on protective practices, and stronger One Health collaboration between veterinary and human health sectors to reduce zoonotic transmission risk.