Kiersten J Kugeler1, Titus Apangu2, Joseph D Forrester3, Kevin S Griffith3, Gordian Candini2, Janet Abaru2, Jimmy F Okoth2, Harriet Apio2, Geoffrey Ezama2, Robert Okello2, Meghan Brett3, Paul Mead3. 1. Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA. Electronic address: kkugeler@cdc.gov. 2. Uganda Virus Research Institute, Plague Program, Arua and Entebbe, Uganda. 3. Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Plague is a virulent zoonosis reported most commonly from Sub-Saharan Africa. Early treatment with antibiotics is important to prevent mortality. Understanding knowledge gaps and common behaviors informs the development of educational efforts to reduce plague mortality. METHODS: A multi-stage cluster-sampled survey of 420 households was conducted in the plague-endemic West Nile region of Uganda to assess knowledge of symptoms and causes of plague and health care-seeking practices. RESULTS: Most (84%) respondents were able to correctly describe plague symptoms; approximately 75% linked plague with fleas and dead rats. Most respondents indicated that they would seek health care at a clinic for possible plague; however plague-like symptoms were reportedly common, and in practice, persons sought care for those symptoms at a health clinic infrequently. CONCLUSIONS: Persons in the plague-endemic region of Uganda have a high level of understanding of plague, yet topics for targeted educational messages are apparent. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
BACKGROUND: Plague is a virulent zoonosis reported most commonly from Sub-Saharan Africa. Early treatment with antibiotics is important to prevent mortality. Understanding knowledge gaps and common behaviors informs the development of educational efforts to reduce plague mortality. METHODS: A multi-stage cluster-sampled survey of 420 households was conducted in the plague-endemic West Nile region of Uganda to assess knowledge of symptoms and causes of plague and health care-seeking practices. RESULTS: Most (84%) respondents were able to correctly describe plague symptoms; approximately 75% linked plague with fleas and dead rats. Most respondents indicated that they would seek health care at a clinic for possible plague; however plague-like symptoms were reportedly common, and in practice, persons sought care for those symptoms at a health clinic infrequently. CONCLUSIONS:Persons in the plague-endemic region of Uganda have a high level of understanding of plague, yet topics for targeted educational messages are apparent. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Authors: Katherine MacMillan; Andrew J Monaghan; Titus Apangu; Kevin S Griffith; Paul S Mead; Sarah Acayo; Rogers Acidri; Sean M Moore; Joseph Tendo Mpanga; Russel E Enscore; Kenneth L Gage; Rebecca J Eisen Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2012-03 Impact factor: 2.345