Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Brucellosis Among the General Population in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

Brucellosis is an endemic infection in the Middle East. The World Health Organization has identified the illness as one of the most prevalent "neglected zoonotic diseases." Public perceptions regarding brucellosis infection vary across different regions. Thus, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning brucellosis among the general population in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia between March 2023 and May 2023. We distributed an online questionnaire through social media platforms and received a total of 1,244 responses from different governorates in the Qassim region.

Results

The level of awareness of brucellosis was moderate. Out of the 1,244 participants, 706 (56.8%) were aware of the disease. Among the participants who were aware of the disease, their knowledge of brucellosis was assessed. The majority of these respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge (70.5%). Regarding attitudes and practices toward brucellosis, no significant association was found between the participants’ level of knowledge and their attitudes.

Conclusion

Awareness levels about brucellosis in the Qassim region vary depending on age group, area of residency, and other factors. The younger age group and certain governorates in the Qassim region showed low levels of awareness. Moreover, participants with good knowledge about the disease obtained their information from healthcare practitioners. The significant difference in our findings between Qassim’s governorates demonstrates the need for more targeted awareness campaigns in areas with lower levels of awareness.