Year: 2010 Vol.: 59 No.: 1
Authors: Josefina V. Almeda; Jonathan G. Yabes
Abstract:
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, once threatened the lives of birds as well as of human beings. Caused by a virus, it is considered endemic in many parts of Indonesia and Vietnam and in some parts of Cambodia, China, and Thailand. Outbreak of many similar diseases can easily reach epidemic level because households have minimal knowledge of precautionary measures. This study conducted a survey of Filipino households’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to avian influenza. Results of this assessment can help in the development of intervention strategies for the mitigation of the hazards such outbreaks may cause to humans. The results of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices study is beneficial to the country since it showed that there should be an improvement on the publics’ knowledge of transmission and preventive measure and that health professionals and other concerned agencies should provide effective information to prevent the disease.
Keywords: knowledge; attitudes; practices; avian influenza