Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness Among Selected Tertiary Students in the Accra Metropolis on Zoonotic Infections
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Environmental Health Insights
Abstract
Background: Zoonotic infections are a serious threat to human health and a direct risk that could potentially be fatal. Animals both
domestic and wild serve as reservoirs for zoonotic infections. Thus, frequent contact with animals might occasionally result in the transfer of
infections from animals to people. Ghana is especially susceptible to the effects of zoonotic infections due to the increase in the household
human-animal ratio. This study assessed the awareness and knowledge level of tertiary students in a selected tertiary institution on zoonotic
infections.
Methods: A quantitative research method was employed making use of a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The target population
chosen for the research was mainly students from the University of Ghana. A stratified sampling technique was used in selecting participants
for the study. 440 participants were selected for the study. The university’s four primary colleges served as the strata for the basis of data
collection.
Results: The study revealed a moderate knowledge level among students. The term “zoonoses” was understood by the majority (70%) of
the respondents. Respondents knew at least one route of transmission of zoonotic infection. For the spread of zoonotic infections, close con tact with infected animals and consumption of contaminated food were seen as ways of spread by a majority.
Conclusion: Although the basic strategies required for the control and elimination of the zoonotic diseases in such tertiary institutions
are well known and practiced as per the study findings, zoonoses still persists and this can be attributed to low education on the subject.
Knowledge and awareness level on zoonoses especially in tertiary institutions such as the University of Ghana could be improved if relevant
authorities create adequate enlightenment programs on improving the knowledge of zoonotic diseases through a variety of media including
seminars, workshop, television, radio, newspaper and social media
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Awareness, human-animal ratio, knowledge,