A study of the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of a Saudi Arabian community towards the problem of brucellosis.

The present study included 337 patients, presenting to Asir Central Hospital with fever of more than two weeks duration, or symptoms associated with brucellosis but without fever. Of the 337 subjects examined for knowledge about methods and means of transmission of brucellosis, 309 (92%) were ignorant while only 28 (8%) appeared to possess some knowledge as to the source, type of animal contact and presentation of illness. None of the 337 subjects was able to link the disease with a microbial infection. The most important common practices associated with brucellosis included raw milk consumption, close animal contact and the slaughtering and disposal of wastes. Illiteracy, ignorance and faulty behaviours emphasize the importance of health education of the community, to raise the KAP standard of the full spectrum of brucellosis in the community would be valuable in its prevention and control.