AUTHOR=Gong Lei , Zhang Yong , Wang Jinsheng , Xiong Yingying , Wang Jiling , Wu Jiabing , Chen Fang , Zhu Meng , Cheng Donglin , Jiang Xuqin TITLE=Evaluation of a community intervention program on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Anhui Province, China JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.891700 DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.891700 ISSN=2296-2565 ABSTRACT=Background

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a novel infectious disease with no specific therapeutics and vaccines. We hypothesize that health education in vulnerable people would ameliorate their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding SFTS and reduce its prevalence.

Methods

A four-stage cluster cross-section study in sixteen community units was performed. Sixteen groups were allocated to the intervention or control groups. A 6 months education program was administrated. The primary outcome was KAP scores 6 months after intervention. Predictors of KAP score changes were also analyzed.

Results

Eight hundred and fifteen valid questionnaires pre-intervention and 767 ones post-intervention were retreated. No significant differences were found in demographic characteristics and KAP scores before intervention. A significant improvement in KAP score (16.8 ± 4.7 vs. 22.0 ± 4.2, p < 0.001) in the intervention group was observed compare with the controls. Educational level and intervention program were the common predictors of KAP score changes.

Conclusions

Education improved KAP scores in SFTS vulnerable people which may contribute to the control of the disease.