Abstract Title
Exploratory Analysis of Poultry Workers' Knowledge and Practices Regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Guinea
Abstract
Between 2022 and 2023, Guinea faced a significant avian influenza outbreak, causing economic losses and increased human transmission risks. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and practices regarding avian influenza among poultry workers in Guinea.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2023 in the Coyah and Forécariah prefectures. Data were collected on workers' socio-demographic profiles, awareness of avian influenza, information sources, and a series of questions assessing their knowledge and practices. Scores for knowledge and practices were calculated, and the cumulative local effects method was employed to analyze the influence of various factors on these scores.
The survey included 326 poultry workers, comprising farmers (62.3%), managers (17.5%), and technicians (13.8%). While 54.9% had heard of avian influenza, overall knowledge levels were low (42.9%), with 68.4% exhibiting poor practices on farms. Analysis revealed significant associations: age, education, and occupation type were linked to knowledge levels, while the number of farms managed, work hours, and gender-influenced practices.
The study highlights a critical gap in knowledge and practices among poultry workers amid the avian influenza outbreak. The expressed need for more information underscores the importance of developing targeted interventions to enhance awareness and practices among high-risk workers, better preparing them for future zoonotic disease challenges.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2023 in the Coyah and Forécariah prefectures. Data were collected on workers' socio-demographic profiles, awareness of avian influenza, information sources, and a series of questions assessing their knowledge and practices. Scores for knowledge and practices were calculated, and the cumulative local effects method was employed to analyze the influence of various factors on these scores.
The survey included 326 poultry workers, comprising farmers (62.3%), managers (17.5%), and technicians (13.8%). While 54.9% had heard of avian influenza, overall knowledge levels were low (42.9%), with 68.4% exhibiting poor practices on farms. Analysis revealed significant associations: age, education, and occupation type were linked to knowledge levels, while the number of farms managed, work hours, and gender-influenced practices.
The study highlights a critical gap in knowledge and practices among poultry workers amid the avian influenza outbreak. The expressed need for more information underscores the importance of developing targeted interventions to enhance awareness and practices among high-risk workers, better preparing them for future zoonotic disease challenges.
Co-Author(s)
Maladho Diaby1,2,3*, Salifou Talassone Bangoura1,2,3, Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou1, Kadio Jean-Jacques Olivier Kadio1,2,3, Aly Badara Touré3,4, Kouramoudou Bereté5, Emile Faya Bongono1, Sidikiba Sidibé3,4, Alexendre Delamou3,4, Alioune Camara3, Alpha-Kabinet Keita1,6, Abdoulaye Touré1,2,3
1 Guinea Infectious Diseases Research and Training Center (CERFIG), Gamal Abdel Nasser University, Conakry, Republic of Guinea,
2Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Gamal Abdel Nasser University, Conakry, Republic of Guinea,
3Department of Public Health, Gamal Abdel Nasser University, Conakry, Republic of Guinea
4African Centre of Excellence in the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases (CEA-PC MT), Faculty of Sciences and Health Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University, Conakry, Republic of Guinea,
5 Department of the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Guinea (LCVD), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Conakry, Republic of Guinea
6 TransVIHMI, IRD/INSERM/Monpellier University, Montpellier, France
* Corresponding author
Email: maladho.diaby@cerfig.org
Abstract Category
Avian influenza in mammals, pandemic preparedness, and one health