Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices for equine Endoparasite control among livestock owners in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Overview

• This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding endoparasite control in equines among livestock owners in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.
• It identified factors influencing KAP levels to inform better educational interventions aimed at improving equine parasite management.

Background and Importance

• Equine endoparasites are internal parasites that significantly impact the health and productivity of horses, donkeys, and mules globally.
• Proper control of these parasites depends largely on livestock owners’ knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices.
• Understanding these elements among farmers is crucial for developing effective, community-tailored intervention programs.

Study Design and Methodology

• Type: Community-based cross-sectional study conducted in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.
• Sample Size: 150 livestock owners participated in the study.
• Data Collection: A pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards equine endoparasite control.
• Sampling: Participants were sampled representatively across three districts—Dera, Fogera, and Libokemkem.
• Measures: KAP scores were initially categorized into three levels (low, moderate, high) and subsequently dichotomized into good and poor categories for analysis.
• Statistical Analysis: Chi-square tests for bivariate associations; multivariable binary logistic regression to determine significant predictors of good KAP with significance at p ≤ 0.05.

Participant Demographics

• Gender distribution: 80% male (120 participants) and 20% female (30 participants).
• Age groups: Approximately 50.7% adults, 34.7% young, and 14.7% older farmers.
• Education status: Almost half (49.3%) had no formal education, 44% had primary education, and 6.7% secondary education.
• Residence: Participants were evenly distributed across the three districts.
• Proximity to veterinary services: 82% lived within 1-10 km of a veterinary facility.

Key Findings on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP)

• Knowledge: 52.7% demonstrated good knowledge related to equine endoparasite control.
• Attitude: 66.7% showed a positive attitude towards parasite control measures.
• Practices: 91.3% reported engaging in good preventive practices against equine endoparasites.

Factors Associated with KAP – Logistic Regression Results

Knowledge

• Adults and older farmers were significantly less likely to have good knowledge compared to younger farmers (AOR of 0.12 for adults, 0.10 for older farmers).
• Educational attainment had a strong positive association with knowledge (educated farmers were about 16 times more likely to have good knowledge).

Attitude

• Adults and older individuals were less likely to exhibit positive attitudes compared to young farmers (AOR 0.015 and 0.013, respectively).
• Higher education and residing in Libokemkem district were positively linked to having a good attitude (education AOR = 18.5; Libokemkem residence AOR = 3.80).

Preventive Practices

• Adults were significantly more likely to engage in good preventive practices (AOR = 54.5).
• Female farmers were less likely to have good practices compared to males (AOR = 0.18).
• Distance from veterinary services mattered; those living more than 10 km away were less likely to practice good preventive measures (AOR = 0.06).

Interpretation and Implications

• Age and education strongly influence livestock owners’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding equine parasite control.
• Younger farmers tend to have better knowledge and attitudes, but adults practice better preventive measures.
• Educational status positively impacts both knowledge and attitude, highlighting the importance of literacy and awareness programs.
• Female farmers showed poorer preventive practices, indicating a potential gap that could be addressed through gender-sensitive training.
• Proximity to veterinary services affects practice, stressing the importance of accessible animal health facilities.

Recommendations

• Design targeted educational programs to improve knowledge and attitudes, especially among older and less educated farmers.
• Implement community outreach tailored to female farmers to encourage better preventive practices.
• Enhance access to veterinary services in more remote areas to facilitate better practice adoption.
• Use these findings to build locally appropriate strategies for controlling equine endoparasites, ultimately improving animal welfare and productivity.