| dc.description.abstract | Background: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV), predominantly affecting Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Majority of the outbreaks in Uganda are in the south western Uganda, especially Kabale district; prevalent in both humans and animals. The virus is transmitted by several mosquito genera, direct contact with infected animals fluid and tissues. It causes severe illness in humans and high mortality in livestock; economic and public health losses. The case Fatality Rate (CFR) in Kabale district is as high as 43.75%. Uganda has experienced sporadic outbreaks of RVF in the period 2016-2020; 52 human laboratory-confirmed cases, which number increased in 2023 where 33 cases were reported from February to September 2023.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of health workers on management of rift valley feverin Kabale district, south western Uganda.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 health workers in 56 public health centers in Kabale district between July and August 2024, using Interviewer administered questionnaire. Knowledge was categorized into a binary outcome basing on a 50% cut off for awarded scores. Data was analyzed in Stata version 17, summarizing descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression, assessing; factors associated with knowledge and practices on RVF management.
Results: Of the 185 health workers majority 57.30% (106/185) had heard about RVF. However, only 27.03% (50/185) had adequate knowledge levels. Duty station (APR: 0.489 CI: 0.263 0.909), knowledge on proper PPE during an outbreak (APR: 0.602 CI: 0.404-0.896), participation in the previous outbreak, refresher training (2.7%) gave a close association with knowledge towards RVF. Majority 83.69% were misinformed about RVF giving details biased to other hemorrhagic diseases. Higher cadres (Medical doctors and degree nurses) were less likely to have adequate knowledge on RVF as compared to lower cadres (certificate nurses).
Conclusion and recommendation: The findings show unexpectedly low levels of knowledge
about rift valley fever among the health workers in Kabale district. The misinformation about the
disease also explains the low magnitude in which they consider it of public health importance
hence poor knowledge and practices towards Rift Valley Fever. And this calls for active
sensitization; formation of peer educators and routine refresher trainings to the health workers. | en_US |
