Study of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Avian Influenza in a Postoutbreak Area

Background: Tripura has experienced seven episodes of Avian Influenza (AI) since 2008. Hence the study was conducted to assess the Knowledge of Avian Influenza and to assess the Attitude towards the prevention of human cases of Avian Influenza infection among the population residing in a post-outbreak zone. Materials and methods: A Cross-Sectional study was conducted within 3 km. radius area of a reported outbreak of Avian Influenza. Sample size was calculated and 300 respondents were selected by PPS sampling technique. Results: Majority of the respondents (78.00%) had the knowledge regarding the bird flu outbreak in the area. Administration was the most effective source of information (50.00%) followed by media (32.70%). Majority of respondents (73.00%) had the knowledge that human can get affected from Bird-Flu and 23.30 percent had the knowledge that AI is transmitted to human by touching infected poultry. Regarding protection, 14.30percent responded that proper hand washing after handling of poultry is the main protective measure and 44percent of the respondents had increased the frequency of hand washing compared to pre-outbreak time. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that those who have heard of the outbreak of bird flu in the area and those who used to rear backyard poultry in their houses had significantly increased their hand washing frequency. Conclusion: More administrative efforts and intersectoral collaboration is necessary in future for effective risk communication to reduce the knowledge gap among the general population in outbreak situation.