Snakebite incidence, knowledge and practices among rural subsistence farmers in Pwani Region, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Snakebite is considered an occupational disease, primarily affecting farmers, pastoralists and other agricultural workers in poor rural communities. The WHO aims to reduce snakebite incidence by 50% by 2030. Given that snakebite is an ecological disease, understanding indigenous knowledge and practices is essential for effective intervention planning. This study aimed to determine the snakebite incidence rate, and the knowledge and practices related to snakebite among subsistence farmers in Pwani Region, Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two rural villages. Data were gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire and analysed using SPSS (Version 23.0). Snakebite incidence was calculated. Knowledge and practice scores were computed, categorised and analysed using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests, with significance set at 0.05.

Results: Out of 766 subsistence farmers, 723 (94.4%, 95% CI: 92.6% to 96.1%) reported encountering snakes, and 104 (136 per 1000) reported having experienced snakebite in their lifetime. Snakebite incidence rate was significantly higher among participants aged 50 years and above (163 per 1000), widows or widowers (293 per 1000) and those residing in Miteza Village (167 per 1000) (p<0.05). Most incidences occurred during the dry season (67.7%, 95% CI: 58.2% to 75.8%), in the evening (30.8%, 95% CI: 22.4% to 40.0%) and on farms (39.4%, 95% CI: 28.8% to 49.4%). The lower limb was the most affected part of the body (87.5%, 95 CI: 78.6% to 93.8%). The knowledge of snakebite risks, signs and symptoms, first aid and prevention was significantly higher among participants who stayed at the villages for over 10 years (6.2%) and residents of Ngorongo Mashariki Village (7.3%) (p<0.05). Poor preventive practice was notably higher among females (53.7%), divorced individuals (65.3%), those with secondary education (67.7%) and residents of Ngorongo Mashariki (65.6%) (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that snakebite is a common occupational hazard in the region, and the gaps in knowledge and preventive practices necessitate targeted intervention to improve snakebite management and prevention.