Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Associated factors towards Guinea Worm Disease among Daily Labors of Commercial Farms of Gambella Ethiopia. 2025

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Dracunculiasis, or Guinea worm disease (GWD), though nearly eradicated globally, remains a concern in parts of Africa, including Ethiopia. In 2022, only 13 cases were reported worldwide, but recent infections have emerged in Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic. Ethiopia's eradication program faces a challenge with persistent low-level transmission, especially on commercial farms in the Gambella Region. This study aims to assess the KAP and associated risk factors of these high-risk populations. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage sampling method to select 595 daily laborers from the commercial farm. Data were collected using a pretested, self administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS statistics software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) towards Guinea worm, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant in the final model (95% CI). Result: In the study of 566 daily laborers, 66.3% demonstrated good GWD knowledge, with 74.4% correctly identifying water-borne transmission. A major knowledge gap was noted as 57.2% were unaware that GWD causes disability, and only 9.2% recognized chemical water treatment as a prevention method. Primary education (grades 1–8) was a powerful predictor, making laborers over four times more likely to have good knowledge than those with no schooling (AOR=4.015). Regarding attitude, 64.5% reported a favorable outlook on GWD prevention. Being married was significantly associated with a better attitude, making these individuals nearly 1.85 times more likely to be positive than single participants (AOR=1.851). Overall, 63.4% of the laborers reported good GWD prevention practices, yet only 4.1% used safe water sources, though 88.3% treated unsafe water. More educated (AOR=4.347) were significantly associated with better prevention practices compared to no education. Conclusion: This study found that daily laborers have moderate knowledge (66.3%), attitudes (64.5%), and prevention practices (63.4%) regarding GWD, which is lower than expected for eradication efforts(80%). Key factors like gender, education, length of stay in endemic areas ,influenced prevention behaviors. The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions among mobile populations to ensure sustained GWD eradication. Keywords: Guinea worm disease Daily Labors, Commercial Farms, Gambella Region, Ethiopia,