Effect of frontline health workers’ training and e-based technology on awareness and reporting of brucellosis in pastoral communities in Tanzania
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Date
2021
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Brucellosis is an endemic bacterial disease reported in many sub-Saharan Africa
countries. Awareness of frontline healthcare workers (FHWs) influences diagnosis,
reporting and management of the disease. This study assessed the effect of FHWs’
training on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) as well as the use of digital
technology on reporting of brucellosis in pastoral communities. A quasi-experimental
study was conducted from December 2019 to December 2020 to assess KAP of (FHWs)
following training about brucellosis enhanced by application of electronic-based
technology supported by AfyaData to promote early detection and reporting of
brucellosis. A pre- and post-intervention survey was conducted to assess KAP among
FHWs regarding brucellosis using a structured questionnaire uploaded in AfyaData app.
Blood sera samples were collected from 141 patients with febrile illnesses attending
selected health facilities for treatment in pastoral community. The blood samples were
screened for brucellosis using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and positive samples
confirmed by Competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA) test. KAP
was assessed by 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive analysis for frequencies and proportion
was performed. Chi-square/fisher exact test were used to compare for KAP and
categorical variables while analysis of continuous variables was done by t-test and
ANOVA. Results revealed that majority of the participants were not aware about
brucellosis in both humans and animals, although they had good attitude towards
brucellosis prevention. Participant’s awareness, practice and attitude increased
significantly (p=0.003, p=0.001, p=0.032), respectively, after the intervention. Out of
141 tested patients 17(12.1%) were positive on RBPT and four (2.8%) were confirmed
by c-ELISA. Participants’ KAP was mostly poor and after the training a significantiii
improvement was achieved. These findings highlight the need to strengthen FHWs
knowledge, practices and diagnostic capacities related to brucellosis.
Description
Masters Dissertation
Keywords
Pastoral communities, Health workers, Brucellosis