Agricultural and Biological Research

Brucellosis Prevention and its Risk Management Among Livestock Farmers Based on The PRECEDE-PROCEED Model

Sajjad Narimani*, Shandiz Moslehi, Khezeli M, Maleki A, Zarehoseinzade E, Shaker H and Ahmadi F

Background: One of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases, brucellosis wreaks havoc on rural communities economies and society at large. In this study, we wanted to identify the risk factors for brucellosis among livestock farmers in rural districts.

Methods: 365 livestock farmers in the villages of Germi were chosen for a cross-sectional analytical study using cluster sampling. Educational needs assessments about brucellosis were assessed using the questionnaire comprising 4 modules; first module included demographic characteristics and other 3 modules assessed the components of PRECEDE-PROCEED model (i.e., predisposing factors, enabling factors and Reinforcement factors).

Results: A high average (M=64.5 ± 6) knowledge about the transmission of brucellosis was observed among livestock farmers. However, the mean of attitude scores (about the regular visit of animals by the veterinarian and the effects of the disease on health status) were low (M=27 ± 3.3). Enabling factors (having protective equipment, access to pasteurized dairy products, keeping livestock outside the village and vaccination of livestock) had the low average (M=35 ± 8.7). Enabling factors and reinforcement factors were strongly correlated (r=0.338, p=0.001).

Conclusions: This study indicated that increasing of enabling factors can lead to livestock farmers empowerment and brucellosis prevention among them.