Conventional knowledge, general attitudes and risk perceptions towards zoonotic diseases among Maasai in northern Tanzania.

ABSTRACT: Understanding factors influencing conventional medical knowledge (CMK), general attitudes and risk perceptions of zoonotic diseases among rural residents who face risk of exposure to such diseases is important for human, livestock, and wildlife health. Focusing on Maasai from Makame, Kiteto District (Tanzania) who largely maintained a semi-nomadic lifestyle, we evaluated respondents' CMK of causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods of rabies, brucellosis, and anthrax. In addition, we identified socio-demographic correlates of CMK with respect to the target zoonoses. Finally, we assessed the relative frequency of practices that increase the risk of pathogen transmission, and compared the risk perception of the three diseases. We conducted structured interviews with Maasai respond

SUBMITTER: Kriegel ER 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8144003 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature