DOI: 10.5061/dryad.7t377f4
title: Data from: Comparative knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding anthrax, brucellosis, and rabies in three districts of northern Tanzania

description: Background Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surveys regarding
 zoonotic diseases are crucial to understanding the extent of knowledge
 among citizens and for guiding health-related education programs. Method
 Employing a structured questionnaire, we interviewed residents (n=388) in
 three districts of northern Tanzania (Karatu n=128, Monduli n=114, Babati
 n=146) to assess knowledge, attitudes and reported practices regarding
 three zoonotic diseases that occur in the region (anthrax, brucellosis,
 and rabies). We used generalized linear mixed effects models and
 multi-model inference to identify demographic correlates of knowledge.
 Results Proportional average district- and disease- specific knowledge
 scores ranged from 0.14-0.61. We found positive correlations between age
 and knowledge of symptoms, causes and treatments of anthrax (in all three
 districts), brucellosis (three districts), and rabies (in one district).
 Gender, ethnic identity, formal education and ownership of livestock or
 dogs had variable effects on knowledge among the interviewed population.
 Risk perceptions regarding different diseases varied across districts and
 were positively correlated with knowledge of the specific
 diseases.  Direct interactions with livestock and domestic dogs
 were reported to occur across all demographic groups, suggesting that most
 people living in rural settings of our study area are potentially exposed
 to zoonotic diseases. Behaviors which may favor transmission of specific
 pathogens (such as consumption of raw milk or meat) were occasionally
 reported and varied by district. Wildlife was generally regarded as
 negative or neutral with regard to overall veterinary and human health.
 Conclusion The combination of variable knowledge about zoonotic diseases
 in the three districts, reported occurrence of practices that are
 conducive to pathogen transmission, and previously documented circulation
 of pathogens causing anthrax, brucellosis and rabies in our study system,
 call for health education programs embedded in a holistic One Health
 approach Background Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surveys
 regarding zoonotic diseases are crucial to understanding the extent of
 knowledge among citizens and for guiding health-related education
 programs. Method Employing a structured questionnaire, we interviewed
 residents (n=388) in three districts of northern Tanzania (Karatu n=128,
 Monduli n=114, Babati n=146) to assess knowledge, attitudes and reported
 practices regarding three zoonotic diseases that occur in the region
 (anthrax, brucellosis, and rabies). We used generalized linear mixed
 effects models and multi-model inference to identify demographic
 correlates of knowledge. Results Proportional average district- and
 disease- specific knowledge scores ranged from 0.14-0.61. We found
 positive correlations between age and knowledge of symptoms, causes and
 treatments of anthrax (in all three districts), brucellosis (three
 districts), and rabies (in one district). Gender, ethnic identity, formal
 education and ownership of livestock or dogs had variable effects on
 knowledge among the interviewed population. Risk perceptions regarding
 different diseases varied across districts and were positively correlated
 with knowledge of the specific diseases.  Direct interactions
 with livestock and domestic dogs were reported to occur across all
 demographic groups, suggesting that most people living in rural settings
 of our study area are potentially exposed to zoonotic diseases. Behaviors
 which may favor transmission of specific pathogens (such as consumption of
 raw milk or meat) were occasionally reported and varied by district.
 Wildlife was generally regarded as negative or neutral with regard to
 overall veterinary and human health. Conclusion The combination of
 variable knowledge about zoonotic diseases in the three districts,
 reported occurrence of practices that are conducive to pathogen
 transmission, and previously documented circulation of pathogens causing
 anthrax, brucellosis and rabies in our study system, call for health
 education programs embedded in a holistic One Health approach.
description: DataInterview data showing
 socio-demographic status of interviewees, ranking of zoonotic disease
 threats, practices and knowledge regarding zoonotic diseases, and general
 views towards widlife with respect to human and veterinarian health. The
 GPS coordinates were removed to safeguard the anonimity of the interviewed
 persons.