AB014. Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on fascioliasis among farmers in Nueva Ecija

Background: Nueva Ecija, a key agricultural province in the Philippines, heavily depends on farming and carabao (water buffalo) husbandry to sustain its rural economy. However, fascioliasis—a neglected zoonotic parasitic disease—poses a threat to livestock productivity, agricultural output, and farmer livelihoods. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of carabao-owning farmers toward fascioliasis, emphasizing socio-behavioral and environmental factors influencing disease management and control.

Methods: A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were gathered through a structured KAP survey of 57 purposively and snowball-sampled farmers and caretakers, analyzed using SPSS. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 19 participants and examined thematically. Triangulation integrated both data sets.

Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in knowledge based on marital status (P=0.001) and monthly income (P=0.03), while attitudes (P=0.44) and practices (P=0.61) showed no significant variation across sociodemographic variables. Spearman’s rho indicated no significant correlations among the KAP domains (P=0.65, P=0.12, and P=0.09). Four themes emerged from qualitative analysis: (I) foundational knowledge and information sources; (II) belief systems guiding prevention; (III) practical disease management strategies; and (IV) experiences with carabao morbidity and mortality. The integration of findings led to the development of the Snail Shell Model of Fascioliasis Control, identifying key points for effective intervention in the community.

Conclusions: Farmers demonstrated low knowledge but moderately positive attitudes and practices regarding fascioliasis control. Sociodemographic factors influenced knowledge but not the relationships among KAP elements. Strengthening community-based education and engagement initiatives is recommended to enhance disease control and protect both animal and public health, leading towards a One Health approach.

Keywords: Animal husbandry; attitudes; fascioliasis; knowledge; practices