A Study on Awareness , Attitudes , and Practices Related To Avian Influenza among Poultry Workers in Dawakin Tofa Local Government , Kano State , Nigeria

Introduction: Avian Influenza (H5N1) is a highly fatal, acute illness in animals and humans and people who are in close contact with poultry are at high risk for getting the infection. Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the existing awareness, attitude, and practice related to Avian Influenza among poultry workers in Dawakin Tofa local government in Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study design, in which the data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered in face to face interview among the poultry workers in the selected poultry farms and live birds markets. Results: A total of 196 poultry workers from 25 poultry farms and 3 live birds markets were interviewed. Their average age was 32.9±8.5, and the median duration of working experience was 6 years (range 1-25 years). Majority of the participants (95.9%) had been aware of Avian Influenza, and mass media being their primary source of information (80%). Awareness for modes of transmission and preventive practices varies among the respondents. Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed three factor structures in which, years of experience, age, marital status, and awareness scores falls in one component, whereas daily working time and level of education formed in another component, while attitudes and practices merged in a separate component. Conclusion: This study found that awareness and attitudes of avian influenza are good among the study participants possibly due to the previous public awareness campaign for preparedness and preventive measures against Avian Influenza in the country.