KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE STUDY ABOUT BRUCELLOSIS IN OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED HIGH RISK GROUPS- VETERINARIANS, MILKMEN AND MEAT HANDLERS - IN TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL OF WESTERN RAJASTHAN

Background:-Brucellosis is recognized as a significant zoonotic infection globally. Improving the occupational worker's Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) is a key factor in the effective prevention and control of brucellosis. This study is aimed to analyze knowledge, attitude and practice for brucellosis among high-risk populations (Veterinarians, Milkmen and Meat handlers). Material and Method:-A cross-sectional study was conducted on 510 high risk population (220 milkmen, 90 veterinarians & 200 meat handlers) chosen randomly from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used to access KAP study and their responses were collected and the data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS. Result:- 67.68% milkmen, 83.71% veterinarians & 62% meat handlers had knowledge about causes and modes of transmission of brucellosis through consumption of raw milk, pasteurized cheese, raw meat, prevention of brucellosis through exposure to aborted fetuses , placental fluid and vaccination. A positive attitude towards brucellosis was observed in 174 (79.09%) milkmen, 89 (98.88%) veterinarians, and 147 (73.5%) meat handlers. When data about practice were analyzed their response level ranges from 2-100% in veterinarians and 0-100 % in milkmen and meat handler both. All participants in subgroup milkmen and meat handlers had zero practice of wearing mask, eye gears, while handling animal's excreta and during deliveries. Whereas 24(12%) and 18(9%) meat handlers were wore gown and gloves respectively. During gestation, most veterinarians do not use all the essential personal protective gears, only 53(58.88%) using gown, 25(27.77%) using gloves, 2(2.22%) using goggles, and 43(47.77%) using masks. 164 (74.54%) milkmen and 174(87%) meat handlers had practice of good hand washing whereas 53(24.09%) milkmen and 3(11.50%) meat handlers were disposed waste properly. In veterinarians 100% had proper hand washing technique practice while only 27(30%) had practiced for proper waste disposal. Conclusion:-Among the high-risk population, there is a lack of complete knowledge, attitude, and set of practices about Brucella infection. Regular Training and health education on Brucellosis is essential for high risk population as it is a preventable zoonotic disease with a high prevalence in Western Rajasthan.