Knowledge of Zoonotic Diseases Among Medical Practitioners in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): John Kunda, Kazwala Rudovic, Mfinanga Godfrey S
Primary Institution: National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Hypothesis
The study investigates the knowledge of medical practitioners of zoonotic diseases as a potential contributing factor to their under-diagnosis and under-reporting.
Conclusion
Medical practitioners' knowledge of zoonotic diseases could be a contributing factor to their under-diagnosis and under-reporting in Tanzania.
Supporting Evidence
- 61% of all human diseases and 75% of emerging human pathogens are zoonotic.
- Medical practitioners in rural health facilities had poor knowledge of zoonotic disease transmission compared to urban practitioners.
- Refresher courses on zoonotic diseases are recommended for practitioners in rural areas.
Takeaway
Doctors in Tanzania don't know enough about diseases that can spread from animals to people, which makes it hard for them to diagnose these diseases.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was administered to medical practitioners.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the limited geographic scope and reliance on self-reported knowledge.
Limitations
The study used convenient sampling and was limited to specific regions, which may not represent the entire country.
Participant Demographics
Participants included medical officers, assistant medical officers, and clinical officers from urban and rural health facilities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 69.77–99.84
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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