Echinococcosis in Tambool, Central Sudan: a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study

In Sudan, echinococcosis (EC) is a chronic neglected zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Studies have shown high prevalence rates in dogs (50-70%), camels (35%) and sheep, goats and cattle (10-11%). In total, 0.3-1.0% of humans in Central and South Sudan are infected with the G6 camel strain. This strain is almost exclusively the cause of human infections. The objective of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding the disease among people living around Tambool city, Central Sudan.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three villages around the city of Tambool in Central Sudan. Three-hundred-and-twelve households were selected from the administrative unit of the area for participation in the study, of which 300 agreed to partake. A standardized questionnaire was designed to collect data on EC in animals, humans and the environment. The questionnaire domains were socio-demographic characteristics, KAP regarding echinococcosis.

The population surveyed showed that 68.7% (206/300) had never heard of the disease, while 31.3% (94/300) had heard about it. The level of knowledge among the 31.3% of those that had heard about the disease was excellent (69/94; 73.4%); so were their attitudes (76/94; 80.9%). However, the majority of the participants (64/94; 68%) showed poor practice regarding this disease, enhancing the odds for further propagation of parasite circulation in the animal and human populations at risk. Knowledge was found to be significantly associated with marital status. Practice was found to be significantly associated with occupation.

There is a need for the implementation of a multidisciplinary program using the One Health approach to effectively control and prevent EC.