Awareness and knowledge of pet-associated zoonoses and their implications for sustainable health in the Greater Accra region.
- 1. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute
Description
This preprint focuses on the awareness and knowledge of pet owners regarding zoonotic diseases. Globally, zoonotic diseases pose ongoing challenges to veterinary and health systems, prompting significant efforts to prevent and control these diseases. Effective prevention of zoonoses relies on the awareness and knowledge of all relevant stakeholders for successful control strategies. Each successful control strategy depends on a clear understanding of the disease. Therefore, this study examines pet owners' awareness and level of knowledge about zoonotic diseases, which has important implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3).
Abstract
Background
Research indicates that humans and pets often share similar pathogens due to constant interactions, increasing zoonoses transmission risks. With the growing number of pets in Ghana, it is essential to assess pet owners' awareness and basic knowledge of zoonoses, which has implications for SDG 3.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Greater Accra region. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to pet owners in households and those visiting veterinary clinics, using purposive sampling. Awareness of pet-associated zoonoses was evaluated by determining whether individuals had heard of these diseases while basic knowledge was assessed through their responses to questions on zoonoses transmission and prevention.
Results
Over 69.1% of pet owners were aware of zoonoses, with 39.2% correctly identifying them as diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Most (37.3%) identified rabies as a zoonotic disease, while 24.3% could not name any. The study found significant associations between awareness and factors like educational level and age. Basic knowledge of zoonoses also correlated with gender, age, educational level, and residence. Identified risk factors included not adhering to scheduled deworming or vaccinations of pets, allowing pets to forage, and poor hand hygiene.
Conclusion
The study found that while many pet owners were aware of zoonoses, particularly rabies, many lacked basic knowledge about them. The study found that basic knowledge of pet-associated zoonoses is influenced by gender, age, education level, and place of residence. The significance of public health education in addressing zoonoses risks, their transmission, and prevention in the Greater Accra region is crucial for promoting sustainable health.
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