Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to helminth infections among poultry farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Helminth infection is one of the major causes of economic loss in the poultry industry worldwide. Information on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is required to identify knowledge gaps and needs, and to understand factors and barriers that influence behaviors. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding helminth infections among poultry farmers in the Kwara State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect KAP data from 144 poultry farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square (χ2) test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test. In general, 137 (95.14%) of the total respondents had low knowledge about helminth infections of poultry, while 3 (2.08%) and 4 (2.78%) of the total respondents had moderate and high knowledge of poultry helminth infections, respectively. Of 144 respondents, 131 (90.97%; 95%CI: 85.17–94.65) did not have knowledge about anthelmintic resistance. Most of the poultry farmers (79/144; 54.86%) had a negative attitude concerning poultry helminth infections, with 58 (40.28%) and 7 (4.86%) having a neutral and positive attitude, respectively, concerning the infection. The practice of 53 (36.81%) of the poultry farmers was good towards helminth infections of poultry, while 23 (15.97%) and 68 (47.22%) of the poultry farmers had a fair and poor practice concerning poultry helminth infections. Findings of this study revealed that poultry farmers in Kwara State had poor knowledge, a negative attitude, and a poor practice about helminth infections. Also, findings showed there is a need to educate poultry farmers about anthelmintic resistance. Findings will provide baseline data that will be useful to policymakers and veterinary officials to develop training programs for appropriate control programs and strategies for implementation of helminthosis interventions among poultry in Nigeria.