Vet Med Int. 2026 Jul 22;2026:5535645. doi: 10.1155/vmi/5535645. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
Endoparasites are a major health concern affecting equine productivity and welfare worldwide. Understanding farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward parasite control is critical for designing effective interventions. This study assessed KAP levels among farmers in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, and identified factors associated with good KAP. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 farmers. KAP scores were initially categorized into three levels (low, moderate, and high) and analyzed using chi-square (χ 2) tests to explore bivariate associations. For logistic regression analyses, KAP outcomes were dichotomized into good and poor categories. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of good KAP, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. The study employed representative sampling across districts, a pretested questionnaire, and comprehensive adjustment using multivariable logistic regression to enhance the reliability of the findings. Among 150 respondents, 120 (80%) were male and 30 (20%) female. The majority were adults (50.7%), followed by young (34.7%) and old (14.7%) age groups. Nearly half of the participants were with no formal education (49.3%), 44% had primary education, and 6.7% had secondary education. Farmers were evenly distributed across three districts (Dera, Fogera, and Libokemkem), and most (n = 123, 82%) lived within 1-10 km of a veterinary facility. Overall, 52.7% of farmers demonstrated good knowledge, 66.7% exhibited a positive attitude, and 91.3% reported good practices toward equine endoparasites. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis using SPSS (v. 27) revealed that, for knowledge, adults (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03-0.50) and older farmers (AOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.55) were less likely to have good knowledge compared to young farmers, whereas educated farmers were substantially more likely to have good knowledge (AOR = 15.8, 95% CI: 3.4-73.8). Regarding attitude, adults (AOR = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.002-0.12) and older farmers (AOR = 0.013, 95% CI: 0.001-0.12) were less likely to have a positive attitude, while education (AOR = 18.5, 95% CI: 5.0-68.0) and residence in Libokemkem district (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.36-10.57) were positively associated with good attitude. For practice, good practices were more likely among adult farmers (AOR = 54.5, 95% CI: 4.8-620), but less likely among females (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04-0.78) and farmers living > 10 km from veterinary services (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.004-0.95). Age and education were key determinants of farmers’ KAP toward equine endoparasite control. Hence, targeted educational interventions focusing on different age and education groups could improve parasite management practices in this region.
PMID:42488887 | PMC:PMC13389813 | DOI:10.1155/vmi/5535645
