Knowledge, attitudes and practices with regard to the presence, transmission, impact, and control of XXXX in Sidi Kacem Province, Morocco.

@entity1 @entity8434 @entity2927 @entity235
BACKGROUND: This study is a component of a large research project on five major @entity2927 ( @entity2927 ) including @entity8434 and was undertaken in the Province of Sidi Kacem over a period of four years (April 2009-March 2013). METHODS: Questionnaires were administered at community level in a total of 27 communes and visits were made to all of the 10 abattoirs situated in the Province, to collect qualitative data on determinants of transmission for disease in @entity1 and animals. More specifically, community knowledge, attitudes and practices related to @entity8434 were assessed, as well as the extent to which local customs and behaviours may promote transmission. Abattoir infrastructure and practices, and their role in perpetuating disease transmission were also critically evaluated. RESULTS: The results show that only 50  % of @entity1 have heard of the disease, and of those, only 21  % are aware of the @entity235 's role in disease transmission. Sixty-seven per cent of respondents stated that @entity235 are fed ruminant organs deemed unfit for @entity1 consumption. Owned @entity235 have access to the family home, including the kitchen, in 39  % of households. The extent of this close proximity between @entity1 and animals is even more pertinent when one considers that @entity235 are omnipresent in the community, with an average of 1.8 @entity235 owned per household. The unrestricted access of @entity235 to abattoirs is a huge issue, which further promotes disease transmission. CONCLUSION: This study would suggest that the high prevalence of @entity8434 in @entity1 and animals in Morocco is largely due to three factors: 1) abundance of @entity235 2) engagement in risky behaviour of the local population and 3) poor abattoir infrastructure and practices. This has serious implications in terms of the socio-economic impact of the disease, especially for rural poor communities.
