Anthrax knowledge, perception, and preventive practices of livestock workers and household animal owners in Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives

Anthrax outbreaks pose significant public health and socioeconomic challenges. Following the recent outbreaks, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and preventive practices of livestock workers and household animal owners regarding anthrax and the associated socioeconomic implications in Nigeria.

Methods

A pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. A total of 1025 respondents from seven of the 36 states in Nigeria were selected and assessed on the basis of reported anthrax outbreaks, bordering with affected states, and livestock presence. Univariate analysis was conducted, and chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to assess significant associations between knowledge, risk perception, and independent variables.

Results

Of the 1025 respondents, 58.6 % and 79.9 % demonstrated adequate knowledge (score ≥36 of 72) and positive perception (score ≥15 of 24), respectively. Notably, 22 % had never taken any preventive measures against anthrax, and only 27.7 % knew about the anthrax vaccination program for livestock. Exactly 23.8 % indicated that regulations imposed during the anthrax outbreak affected their livestock-related activities, while 40.6 % expressed concern about potentially going out of business because of the anthrax outbreak. Respondents’ knowledge was significantly associated with awareness (adjusted odds ratio: 5.35; 95 % confidence interval: 3.12–9.18).

Conclusions

This study highlights the need for targeted educational programs to bridge knowledge and risk perception gaps and improve preventive practices.