Knowledge, attitude and practice assessment of people on Japanese Encephalitis in high and low endemic area of Nepal

Abstract

Japanese Encephalitis is a serious vector borne viral zoonotic disease of pigs, birds, horses etc. active especially in Asia and Northern Australia. In Nepal until 2015, JE cases were reported in 63 districts out of 75. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice status of people on Japanese Encephalitis in high and low endemic area of Nepal. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the general information and that regarding the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of the people. Three hundred ninety seven questionnaires were conducted in six high and six low endemic areas of the country. Initially, descriptive analysis was done of the collected data. It was found that only about half of the population (58.43%) portrayed desirable KAP results. Significant population (11.08%) showed good attitude and demonstrated good practice. Also a remarkable portion of the population had desirable attitude (21.91%) despite demonstrating lack of knowledge and conducting bad practices. A small portion of people (8.56%) had very undesirable results in all aspects of KAP. Knowledge about JE is lacking in both high and low endemic area while practice and attitude is good due to the traditional practices developed over the years through environment adoption which help in prevention of JE in those areas. The various associations of KAP with assorted factors was found out by Chi- square test. Literate people were found to have better knowledge on vaccine and significance increases with increase in education level. Farmers had better knowledge towards presence of JE in animals than other professions. Elderly people had more knowledge about vectors and vaccine and also practiced indoor housing system with nets more often. More educated people showed better attitude towards vaccination and practice indoor housing system with nets more often. People had most desirable attitude which would enable better practices and will for knowledge acquisition. So, more awareness on JE is required on both high and low endemic zones.