Brucellosis Awareness and Knowledge: A Single Center Study From Eastern Anatolia

Abstract

Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease prevalent in Turkey. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge level about brucellosis and to lay the groundwork for necessary preventive measures. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over a six-month period at a single state hospital’s infectious diseases outpatient clinic. Volunteers who met the inclusion criteria completed a questionnaire. Participation were grouped into those involved in animal husbandry, healthcare workers, and others. Scores were assigned based on responses to the questionnaire. Results: The study included a total of 400 participation, of which 191 (47.8%) were female and 209 (52.2%) were male. The most common occupation was animal husbandry [88 (22%)]. The majority of participation [246 (61.5%)] resided in the provincial capital. Healthcare workers exhibited the highest awareness of brucellosis (93.1%). Seminars were identified as the most important source of information for healthcare workers (72.2%), while personal experience with the disease was most common among those involved in animal husbandry (15.4%). University graduates demonstrated higher awareness levels. Those who had experienced brucellosis, seminars, the internet, and television were identified as more accurate sources of information. Conclusion: In the face of increasing global zoonotic diseases, raising awareness within the framework of the one health concept is essential. Measures such as vaccination, isolation, and waste control should be emphasized for brucellosis prevention in animals. The importance of consuming pasteurized dairy products should be emphasized. Correct information should be disseminated through platforms such as seminars, the internet, and television.

Keywords

• brucellosis
• livestock
• one health