Abstract

Attitudes and Knowledge about Zoonotic Diseases among Livestock Farmers in Rural Tamale, Ghana

Cattle farming remains one of the lucrative agricultural ventures among rural settlers in the Northern parts of Ghana and is kept for both commercial and subsistence purposes. However, the emergences of cattle-associated infections remain a threat to cattle production and the human population. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards zoonotic diseases among cattle farmers in the Tamale Metropolis. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, involving a mixed method. The quantitative approach involved the use of a semi-structured questionnaire and the qualitative approach involved the use of focused group discussions using a focus group guide. A total of 100 cattle farmers were selected using a purposive sampling method, from March to July 2020. A chi-square test analysis was performed to identify the factors that are associated with the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards cattle-related zoonotic diseases. A 95% confidence level and statistical significance of p<0.05 were used. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Males were the most represented (98%). The overall knowledge, attitude, and practices towards cattle-related zoonotic diseases good scores were 52%, 67%, and 16%, respectively. Age (p=0.022), ethnicity (p=0.039), and educational background (p=0.042) of the study participants showed a significant association with the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards cattle-related zoonotic diseases. In conclusion, their practices towards zoonotic diseases were largely poor. The study, therefore, recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture, the Tamale Metropolis, and other stakeholders ought to organize periodic training for cattle farmers on zoonotic diseases.

• Full-Text
• PDF