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Background <p>Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that poses significant threats to livestock and human health in Uganda, particularly in ecologically vulnerable districts such as Apac and Lira. Despite its public health importance, limited understanding of community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) continues to hinder effective prevention and control. This study examined RVF-related KAP in Apac and Lira Districts, Uganda using theory of planned behavior (TPB).</p> Methods <p>Data were collected from six sub-counties using focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and a structured survey administered to 136 randomly selected livestock-keeping households. Thematic analysis was used to explore patterns across TPB domains (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control), while principal component analysis (PCA) identified latent dimensions underlying RVF risk perception and preventive behavior.</p> Results <p>High emotional concern was observed, with 58% of respondents expressing strong worry about RVF impacts on livestock and human health; however, adoption of preventive practices remained low. PCA revealed three dominant components: emotional and practical concern (PC1, 48.2% variance), cognitive beliefs regarding health risks (PC2, 28.3%), and contextual structural barriers (PC3, 23.6%). Major obstacles included limited access to information (27.2%) and economic constraints (13.2%). Engagement in preventive behaviors was higher in Apac than in Lira, reflecting district-level differences in social norms, collective practices, and perceived behavioral control.</p> Conclusion <p>Community responses to RVF are shaped by emotional concern, perceived disease threat, and systemic constraints. These findings underscore the need for culturally responsive interventions that translate awareness into action through practical guidance, strengthened health and veterinary services, and community engagement. By applying behavioral theory within a mixed-methods framework, this study demonstrates the value of integrating social and structural dimensions into RVF prevention and supports the design of inclusive, community-led strategies.</p>

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Knowledge attitudes and practices on Rift Valley Fever in Apac and Lira Districts Uganda using a mixed-methods approach

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月2日

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  • Justine Okello,
  • Felix Lakor Opiyo,
  • Luke Nyakarahuka,
  • Walter Okello,
  • Christine Tricia Kulabako,
  • Ivan Onegbo,
  • Veldrine Tumusiime,
  • Winnifred Akello,
  • Solomon Adiyo,
  • Benard Agwai,
  • Terence Odoch,
  • Angella Musewa,
  • Clovice Kankya

摘要

Background

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that poses significant threats to livestock and human health in Uganda, particularly in ecologically vulnerable districts such as Apac and Lira. Despite its public health importance, limited understanding of community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) continues to hinder effective prevention and control. This study examined RVF-related KAP in Apac and Lira Districts, Uganda using theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Methods

Data were collected from six sub-counties using focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and a structured survey administered to 136 randomly selected livestock-keeping households. Thematic analysis was used to explore patterns across TPB domains (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control), while principal component analysis (PCA) identified latent dimensions underlying RVF risk perception and preventive behavior.

Results

High emotional concern was observed, with 58% of respondents expressing strong worry about RVF impacts on livestock and human health; however, adoption of preventive practices remained low. PCA revealed three dominant components: emotional and practical concern (PC1, 48.2% variance), cognitive beliefs regarding health risks (PC2, 28.3%), and contextual structural barriers (PC3, 23.6%). Major obstacles included limited access to information (27.2%) and economic constraints (13.2%). Engagement in preventive behaviors was higher in Apac than in Lira, reflecting district-level differences in social norms, collective practices, and perceived behavioral control.

Conclusion

Community responses to RVF are shaped by emotional concern, perceived disease threat, and systemic constraints. These findings underscore the need for culturally responsive interventions that translate awareness into action through practical guidance, strengthened health and veterinary services, and community engagement. By applying behavioral theory within a mixed-methods framework, this study demonstrates the value of integrating social and structural dimensions into RVF prevention and supports the design of inclusive, community-led strategies.