Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Among Temporary Mountain Dwellers

Session

Medicine and Nursing

Description

Introduction: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a group of acute infectious diseases caused by hantaviruses, which are transmitted by certain rodents that serve as their natural reservoir. Humans are accidental hosts of the virus, and infec- tion typically occurs after exposure to the excretions and secretions of infected rodents. Natural reservoirs of the disease are found in the mountains of Peja, Deçan, Istog, Junik, Gjakova, and Ferizaj, where people who frequent these mountains for vari- ous reasons are at risk. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge of temporary mountain dwellers who own cabins and are exposed to con- tact with rodents about the symptoms of the disease, transmission routes, and to evaluate the attitudes and practices that contrib- ute to the transmission of hantaviruses from the reservoir to humans. Materials and Methods: A quantitative method with a cross-sectional study model was used for this research. 204 partici- pants from the municipalities of Deçan, Istog, and Junik who own cabins in the mountains were interviewed face-to-face using a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics with a 95% confidence level and a p-value of 0.05 were used to explain the participants' responses. Results: 192 (94.1%) of the respondents have heard of HFRS, and 164 (90.4%) know that the disease is very serious, but only 49 (24.0%) consider it very serious in the area where they live. The most recognized symptoms are fever and flu-like symptoms (113 or 55.4% and 82 or 40.0%, respectively). The primary mode of transmission recognized is contact with rodents (100 or 49.0%), and the main preventive measure identified is rodent control (89 or 43.6%). 115 (56.4%) learned about the disease from relatives and friends, and 119 (58.8%) had contact with rodents during the previous season. Conclusions: This study highlights the gap in knowledge and attitudes of residents regarding HFRS, which subsequently leads to shortcomings in practices related to disease prevention.

Keywords:

Hemorrhagic fever, mountains, knowledge.

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-15-3

Location

UBT Kampus, Lipjan

Start Date

25-10-2024 9:00 AM

End Date

27-10-2024 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2024.351

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 27th, 6:00 PM

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Among Temporary Mountain Dwellers

UBT Kampus, Lipjan

Introduction: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a group of acute infectious diseases caused by hantaviruses, which are transmitted by certain rodents that serve as their natural reservoir. Humans are accidental hosts of the virus, and infec- tion typically occurs after exposure to the excretions and secretions of infected rodents. Natural reservoirs of the disease are found in the mountains of Peja, Deçan, Istog, Junik, Gjakova, and Ferizaj, where people who frequent these mountains for vari- ous reasons are at risk. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge of temporary mountain dwellers who own cabins and are exposed to con- tact with rodents about the symptoms of the disease, transmission routes, and to evaluate the attitudes and practices that contrib- ute to the transmission of hantaviruses from the reservoir to humans. Materials and Methods: A quantitative method with a cross-sectional study model was used for this research. 204 partici- pants from the municipalities of Deçan, Istog, and Junik who own cabins in the mountains were interviewed face-to-face using a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics with a 95% confidence level and a p-value of 0.05 were used to explain the participants' responses. Results: 192 (94.1%) of the respondents have heard of HFRS, and 164 (90.4%) know that the disease is very serious, but only 49 (24.0%) consider it very serious in the area where they live. The most recognized symptoms are fever and flu-like symptoms (113 or 55.4% and 82 or 40.0%, respectively). The primary mode of transmission recognized is contact with rodents (100 or 49.0%), and the main preventive measure identified is rodent control (89 or 43.6%). 115 (56.4%) learned about the disease from relatives and friends, and 119 (58.8%) had contact with rodents during the previous season. Conclusions: This study highlights the gap in knowledge and attitudes of residents regarding HFRS, which subsequently leads to shortcomings in practices related to disease prevention.