Knowledge, tools, utilisation and sources of brucellosis surveillance data among animal health workers in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis considered as reemerging in several countries including Kenya. Globally Brucellosis affects over 500.000 humans and several thousands of livestock annually. Live animals and animal products are the key sources of human infection, which has been on the increase in urban populations. This is associated mainly with increasing raw milk trade and consumption in urban settings. The purpose of the study was to evaluate knowledge, tools, utilization and sources of brucellosis surveillance data among animal health workers in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to determine data sources for brucellosis surveillance among animal health workers in Nairobi County, to assess tools available for brucellosis surveillance among animal health workers in Nairobi County, to determine levels of knowledge on brucellosis surveillance data management among animal health workers in Nairobi County and to establish utilization of brucellosis surveillance data among animal health workers in Nairobi County. This research was being guided by Health Belief Model, Knowledge Attitude Practice Theory and Epidemiological Triad Model. The study used applied cross-sectional study design to determine data sources knowledge, tools, utilization and sources of brucellosis surveillance data among animal health workers in Nairobi County, Kenya. Study area will be the administrative County of Nairobi. The approach used quantitative and qualitative study approach. Data was collected by the use of structured questionnaire, key informant interview and focus group discussions. Data was systematically entered and analyzed using SPPS software for analysis. The target population in this research was comprised of animal health workers in Nairobi County in Kenya. The study used a census survey procedure that included all the 101 animal health care workers in the County. Data was cleaned, entered, and analyzed using SPSS versus 20 packages. A bivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with Brucellosis surveillance data management knowledge and practice. Quantitative data was presented in form of graphs, tables and pie charts. In addition, information collected from key informants interviews and focused group discussions was analyzed in terms of themes and sub -themes using quotes from the findings, data sources and data collection mechanism had significance effect on brucellosis surveillance data management practice among animal health workers in Nairobi County. Availability of tools, level of knowledge practice and data utilization has a significant effect on brucellosis surveillance data management practice among animal health workers in Nairobi County. The study recommended that animal health workers should be trained equipped supported with logistics and regularly supervised. The results of this study will be shared to both the veterinary and public health authorities and relevant stakeholders and it was expected to contribute towards an improved health information systems and an integrated human-animal brucellosis control strategy in urban settings of Kenya.