Health Literacy Toward Zoonotic Diseases Among Livestock Farmers in Vietnam
Khuong Cao Ba, , , Uyen Nguyen Thi To, , Jul-2020, In: Environmental Health Insights, 14, p. 1-15
Overview
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Zoonoses are an increasing concern worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. People with close contact with animals are at high risk for contracting and transmitting the zoonotic diseases.
OBJECTIVES: To determine health literacy of livestock farmers toward biosecurity to prevent zoonotic diseases.
METHODS: This cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, where livestock and farming are
the main occupation. The questionnaire survey was submitted to 218 farmers who have close contact with livestock. In addition, 8 farmers
were invited to an in-depth interview to further explore the health literacy.
RESULTS: Half of the participants were men. The average age (standard deviation) of the participants was 49.3(11.5) years. The median
years with experience in farming was 15 years. The majority (82.0%) of the participants had moderate health literacy level regarding zoonoses. Improper use of antibiotics was referred by 58.0% of participants, including antibiotic use as feeding supplements (34.0%) and the use
of human antibiotics to treat sick animals (24.0%). Many participants were unaware of zoonotic prevention measures and due to this had
practices such as not wearing protective equipment (60.0%), an absence of acaricides to prevent vector infestations (52.0%), an absence
of disinfection measures (42.0%), low rate of rabies vaccination (54.0%), and do not quarantining sick animals (38.0%). In-depth interviews
revealed great concern among farmers about a collective lack of participation from local veterinarians, health workers, and government
authorities in zoonoses-prevention efforts. Statistical models showed that farm scale, ethnic groups, and perceived income were associated
with the overall health literacy about zoonoses.
CONCLUSION: Comprehensive health education related to zoonotic diseases is recommended to improve overall knowledge, including
routes of transmission, symptoms and consequences of diseases, and antibiotic usage. In addition, guidance should be provided to farmers on how to treat sick animals, the appropriate use of antibiotics, and waste management. Local veterinarians and health workers are
important contact points and should work closely with the farmers to prevent zoonotic diseases.
KEYWORDS: Health literacy, zoonotic diseases, livestock, antibiotic use, Vietnam
OBJECTIVES: To determine health literacy of livestock farmers toward biosecurity to prevent zoonotic diseases.
METHODS: This cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, where livestock and farming are
the main occupation. The questionnaire survey was submitted to 218 farmers who have close contact with livestock. In addition, 8 farmers
were invited to an in-depth interview to further explore the health literacy.
RESULTS: Half of the participants were men. The average age (standard deviation) of the participants was 49.3(11.5) years. The median
years with experience in farming was 15 years. The majority (82.0%) of the participants had moderate health literacy level regarding zoonoses. Improper use of antibiotics was referred by 58.0% of participants, including antibiotic use as feeding supplements (34.0%) and the use
of human antibiotics to treat sick animals (24.0%). Many participants were unaware of zoonotic prevention measures and due to this had
practices such as not wearing protective equipment (60.0%), an absence of acaricides to prevent vector infestations (52.0%), an absence
of disinfection measures (42.0%), low rate of rabies vaccination (54.0%), and do not quarantining sick animals (38.0%). In-depth interviews
revealed great concern among farmers about a collective lack of participation from local veterinarians, health workers, and government
authorities in zoonoses-prevention efforts. Statistical models showed that farm scale, ethnic groups, and perceived income were associated
with the overall health literacy about zoonoses.
CONCLUSION: Comprehensive health education related to zoonotic diseases is recommended to improve overall knowledge, including
routes of transmission, symptoms and consequences of diseases, and antibiotic usage. In addition, guidance should be provided to farmers on how to treat sick animals, the appropriate use of antibiotics, and waste management. Local veterinarians and health workers are
important contact points and should work closely with the farmers to prevent zoonotic diseases.
KEYWORDS: Health literacy, zoonotic diseases, livestock, antibiotic use, Vietnam
| Pages (from-to) | 1-15 |
| Journal | Environmental Health Insights |
| Volume | 14 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul-2020 |