Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Tick-Borne Diseases Among Healthcare Workers in Two Hospitals in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are significant causes of febrile illnesses in humans. Healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding ticks and TBDs may influence prognosis. This study is aimed at assessing the KAP and associated factors among HCWs regarding TBD to provide evidence to improve preventive strategies, diagnosis, and enhance patient outcomes. The electronic questionnaires were used to collect data on respondents' demographics and KAP on TBD. Of 401 HCWs, the median age was 29 (interquartile range (IR): 26-39). More than half of all HCWs (58.4%) were aged ≤ 30 years, and 51.1% were male. Only 12.2% received training outside Tanzania, 45.4% were medical doctors. Among all HCWs, 47.1% had TBD knowledge above the median. Regarding attitude of HCWs toward TBD, 208 (97.7%) out of 214 who had some awareness of TBD recognized the knowledge gap and a need for further training on TBD. After adjusting for other factors, being male (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.01-2.46), having a postgraduate education (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.45-6.39), and having received TBD training (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.28-3.40), remained significantly associated with TBD knowledge above median. Similarly, after adjusting for other factors, being male (AOR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.37-0.89), having postgraduate education (including physicians; AOR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.13-0.61), and having awareness on TBD were significantly associated with practice above median toward TBD prevention. The knowledge gap on TBD among HCWs was substantial as more than half of the HCWs had knowledge score below median about TBD. On attitude, almost all HCWs who had some awareness of TBD were in need of training on TBD. More than half of HCWs practiced TBD preventative actions below median. Targeted training to improve and expand HCWs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding TBD are expected to enhance early detection, improve patient outcomes, reduce transmission rates, and strengthen public health response efforts.