KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARDS ZOONOTIC DISEASES AMONG CATTLE FARMERS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN TAMALE, NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Cattle farming remain one of the lucrative agricultural ventures among rural settlers in the Northern parts of Ghana and are kept for both commercial and subsistence purposes. However, the emergences of cattle associated infections remain a threat to cattle production and the human population. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards zoonotic diseases among cattle farmers in rural communities in Tamale. The study was descriptive cross-sectional study, involving a mixed method. The quantitative approach involved the use of semi-structured questionnaire, which included both closed and open-ended questions and the qualitative approach involved the use of focused group discussions using focus group guide. A total of 100 cattle farmers were selected using purposive sampling method, from March, to July 2020. A chi-square test analysis was performed to identify the factors that are associated with the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards cattle-related zoonotic diseases. A 95% confidence level and statistical significance of p<0.05 was used. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that the mean age was 47.46 (SD: 10.84) with age range of 25 to 70 years. Males were the most represented (98%). The overall knowledge, attitude and practices towards cattle related zoonotic diseases good scores was 52%, 67% and 16% respectively. Age (p= 0.022), ethnicity (p=0.039) and educational background (p=0.042) of the study participants showed significant association with the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards cattle-related zoonotic diseases. The study revealed an appreciable knowledge of cattle-related zoonotic diseases among the farmers, however, proportionally; most of respondents did not have adequate knowledge on zoonotic diseases. Additionally, respondents exhibited a good attitude but their practices of good animal husbandry was extremely poor. The study therefore recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture, the Tamale Metropolis and other stakeholders should organize periodic training to cattle farmers on Zoonosis.