Knowledge, attitude and practices associated with Avian influenza among undergraduate university students of East Java Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives: The aim of the
survey is to measure the level of KAPs toward avian flu among the students and
observe the correlation between KAPs and the factors associated with the control
and prevention of AI.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate
students to collect information about the avian influenza-related KAPs. Students
were selected from three Faculties of Universitas Airlangga Surabaya Indonesia
(Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, and Faculty
of Science and Technology). Students voluntarily responded to a pre-designed
questionnaire.

Results:
A total of 425 students (female 222; and male 203) with age group <20
years to 20-30 years responded to the survey. This cohort consists of 157
students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, 149 from the Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, and 119 from the Faculty of Science and Technology. The
results indicated that appropriate knowledge was obtained by 76.94% of students;
significantly higher levels were seen in faculty of veterinary medicine
students as compared to the other two faculties (p<0.05). 72.89% of students
documented positive attitudes; veterinary medicine students had significantly
more positive attitudes than others (p<0.05). Proactive behaviors were
observed in 56.90% of students. The aggregate scores for Knowledge, Attitude,
and Practices, using a common scoring approach, were 6.93 ± 0.77 (range: 0-9)
for Knowledge, 7.6 ± 1.25 (range: 0-10) for Attitude, and 9.1 ± 1.5 (range: 0-12)
for Practice.

Conclusion: In response to AI, the majority of undergraduates obtained the necessary
knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice; however, their KAP
ratings differed dramatically from faculty to faculty.