Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Health Workers on Rotavirus Diarrhoea Prevention in Rukiga District

Abstract

Purpose: Rotavirus has been identified as the most common pathogen associated with severe diarrhoea. Rotavirus infection is the leading cause of diarrhea in children under five and it is highly contagious. It poses an exception to typical diarrheal disease management rules. While improved access to clean water and better sanitation and hygiene practices are vital to preventing most diarrheal diseases, they have done little to disrupt infection. The virus may cause severe, dehydrating diarrhea in young children and, in untreated cases, lead to death. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Rotavirus Prevention and its vaccination among medical workers in Rukiga district Methodology: A total of 263 health workers were selected through random sampling. A structured and validated questionnaire was used. Questions about knowledge, attitude and practices were collected and verified on scale. Descriptive statistics were presented; multivariable regression analysis was done to determine the correlation of knowledge, attitude level, and practices with socio demographic variables such as age, sex and education. The p value≤0.05 considered was statistically significant. Findings: 118(47.14%) had adequate knowledge, 164(66.138%) positive attitude and 102(41.1%) appropriate practices on the Rotavirus diarrhoea prevention. Knowledge, attitude level and practices were increased significantly with increasing age, sex and education. After controlling for variables in the multivariable regression model, age, sex and education were the significant factors in determining the scores on knowledge, attitude and practices. About the knowledge. Age (β=4.15, p<0.001), sex (β=3.012, p=0.001) and education level (β=14.04, p<0.038), then attitude, age (β=4.32, p<0.001), sex (β=0.015, p=0.003) and education level (β=0.021, p<0.001) while for practices, age (β=0.021, p<0.001). Similarly, sex (β=0.022, p<0.001), education level (β=0.136, p=0.006). Generally, there was inadequate knowledge, positive attitude and inappropriate practices amongst the respondents on Rotavirus diarrhoea prevention in Rukiga District. Recommendations: Rukiga District needs to train, mentor and coach the health workers on prevention of Rotavirus including vaccination in order to have increased knowledge level, positive attitude and appropriate actions.