Training on animal hoarding disorder for public health professionals

Animal Hoarding Disorder (AHD) is a phenomenon little known in a structured way by professionals who work with the hoarding theme. This study aimed to evaluate a training course offered to professionals working in the public service of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with people who hoarded animals. Thus, 82 individuals aged between 18 and 65 years participated (M = 39.68; SD = 10.89). A questionnaire of sociodemographic data and an instrument for assessing knowledge about AHD (pre- and post-training) were applied. It was observed the knowledge regarding AHD improved significantly in the evaluation performed after the training. Finally, evidence of the effectiveness of training on AHD demonstrates the importance of developing and offering continuing education activities as tools for the qualification of professionals who work with the theme.