Appraisal of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding helminth infections and anthelmintic resistance among cattle farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The development of an effective plan for helminth disease prevention and control depends on farmers’ awareness of the disease condition. Information on cattle farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) about helminth infections is scarce in Nigeria. As a result, the objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices about helminth infections and anthelmintic resistance (AR) among cattle farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study (using the convenience sampling method) was conducted to investigate the KAPs of 133 cattle farmers from the different parts of Kwara State on helminth infections. The questionnaire was developed and validated by identifying the topic, choosing the target population and participants, formulating the KAP questions and answer options, scoring the questionnaire, developing and validating the instrument (by calculating the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient), pre-testing (with ten cattle farmers), data gathering and management, and data analysis and interpretation. Data from this study were statistically analyzed. There was a satisfactory level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cattle farmers towards helminth infections. There was a low level of knowledge as it concerns AR and the use of vaccines in the control of helminth infections. Age of farmers, educational status of farmers, role of respondents, herd size, and farming experience were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cattle farmers as it relates to helminth infections. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of farmers concerning helminth infections of cattle. This study appears to be the first to provide a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cattle farmers regarding helminth infections and AR in Kwara State, Nigeria. It is hereby advised that cattle farmers be better enlightened about anthelmintic resistance and the economic importance of helminth infections.