Background <p>Avian influenza (AI) represents a persistent threat to public health, food security, and livelihoods in Ghana, where outbreaks of H5N1 and H9N2 have occurred. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to avian influenza among residents of the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality; an area characterized by intensive poultry production with the aim of delineating deficits in community-level preparedness and guiding evidence-based public health interventions.</p> Methods <p>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2025 using a four-stage sampling technique. We surveyed 321 adults via structured questionnaires, evaluating socio-demographics and KAP related to AI. Scale reliability was assessed using KR-20 (knowledge) and Cronbach’s alpha (attitudes/practices), with construct validity examined through exploratory factor analysis. Scores were categorized using modified Bloom’s taxonomy (≥ 70% indicating good knowledge, positive attitudes, or safe practices). Data were analyzed in STATA 17 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression.</p> Results <p>Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of AI (81.6%; 95% CI: 77.0–85.5) and positive attitudes toward prevention (74.5%; 95% CI: 69.4–78.9). However, only 26.2% (95% CI: 21.6–31.3) reported adherence to recommended preventive practices. Poultry ownership was significantly associated with positive attitudes (χ<sup>2</sup> = 10.44, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and better practices (χ<sup>2</sup> = 10.30, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Female participants and those with lower educational attainment had significantly lower knowledge and attitude scores. Strong correlations were observed between knowledge, attitudes, and practices (all <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), underscoring their interdependence.</p> Conclusion <p>While awareness and positive perceptions of AI are high in Nsawam-Adoagyiri, a substantial knowledge-practice gap remains. Community-level interventions including hands-on training, access to affordable protective equipment, and strengthened One Health collaboration are urgently needed to translate awareness into actionable biosafety behaviours and reduce outbreak risk.</p>

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Avian influenza preparedness in Ghana: a cross-sectional assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among residents of Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality, Eastern Region

  • Christopher Yaw Dumevi,
  • Mankata Joel,
  • Doreen Edem Adzomfoa,
  • Solomon Quarshie Sosu,
  • Derick Nyebiribi,
  • Josephine Afi Nukpedu Banini,
  • Dorcas Akuorkor Teiko,
  • Gifty Selorm Amenya,
  • Gloria Amo Aidoo,
  • Isaac Ekow Ennin,
  • James-Paul Kretchy,
  • Saviour Kweku Adjenti,
  • Annemarie Sankofi,
  • James Odame Aboagye,
  • Nicholas TKD Dayie,
  • Patience B. Tetteh-Quarcoo,
  • George Boateng Kyei,
  • Irene Ayi,
  • Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi

摘要

Background

Avian influenza (AI) represents a persistent threat to public health, food security, and livelihoods in Ghana, where outbreaks of H5N1 and H9N2 have occurred. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to avian influenza among residents of the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality; an area characterized by intensive poultry production with the aim of delineating deficits in community-level preparedness and guiding evidence-based public health interventions.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2025 using a four-stage sampling technique. We surveyed 321 adults via structured questionnaires, evaluating socio-demographics and KAP related to AI. Scale reliability was assessed using KR-20 (knowledge) and Cronbach’s alpha (attitudes/practices), with construct validity examined through exploratory factor analysis. Scores were categorized using modified Bloom’s taxonomy (≥ 70% indicating good knowledge, positive attitudes, or safe practices). Data were analyzed in STATA 17 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of AI (81.6%; 95% CI: 77.0–85.5) and positive attitudes toward prevention (74.5%; 95% CI: 69.4–78.9). However, only 26.2% (95% CI: 21.6–31.3) reported adherence to recommended preventive practices. Poultry ownership was significantly associated with positive attitudes (χ2 = 10.44, p = 0.001) and better practices (χ2 = 10.30, p = 0.001). Female participants and those with lower educational attainment had significantly lower knowledge and attitude scores. Strong correlations were observed between knowledge, attitudes, and practices (all p < 0.001), underscoring their interdependence.

Conclusion

While awareness and positive perceptions of AI are high in Nsawam-Adoagyiri, a substantial knowledge-practice gap remains. Community-level interventions including hands-on training, access to affordable protective equipment, and strengthened One Health collaboration are urgently needed to translate awareness into actionable biosafety behaviours and reduce outbreak risk.