International Journal of Infectious Diseases (Nov 2017)

Knowledge and practices related to plague in an endemic area of Uganda

  • Kiersten J. Kugeler,
  • Titus Apangu,
  • Joseph D. Forrester,
  • Kevin S. Griffith,
  • Gordian Candini,
  • Janet Abaru,
  • Jimmy F. Okoth,
  • Harriet Apio,
  • Geoffrey Ezama,
  • Robert Okello,
  • Meghan Brett,
  • Paul Mead

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 64
pp. 80 – 84

Abstract

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Background: Plague is a virulent zoonosis reported most commonly from Sub-Saharan Africa. Early treatment with antibiotics is important to prevent mortality. Understanding knowledge gaps and common behaviors informs the development of educational efforts to reduce plague mortality. Methods: A multi-stage cluster-sampled survey of 420 households was conducted in the plague-endemic West Nile region of Uganda to assess knowledge of symptoms and causes of plague and health care-seeking practices. Results: Most (84%) respondents were able to correctly describe plague symptoms; approximately 75% linked plague with fleas and dead rats. Most respondents indicated that they would seek health care at a clinic for possible plague; however plague-like symptoms were reportedly common, and in practice, persons sought care for those symptoms at a health clinic infrequently. Conclusions: Persons in the plague-endemic region of Uganda have a high level of understanding of plague, yet topics for targeted educational messages are apparent. Keywords: Plague, Yersinia pestis, Knowledge, Practices, Behaviors, Africa