Knowledge, Attitude, Behavioural Response And Use Of Preventive Measures In Response To Nipah Outbreak- A Descriptive Study From Calicut City

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Nipah virus (NiV) infection is an emerging viral epidemic threatening public health in the South – East Asia Region especially Bangladesh and India. Nipah viral infection was first recognized in a large outbreak of about 265 suspected cases in the Malaysian peninsula from September 1998 to April 1999. Bangladesh reported its first confirmed case of NiV in 2001. India witnessed two outbreaks of Nipah encephalitis, both in the eastern state of WestBengal bordering Bangladesh in 2001 and 2007. The recent outbreak of NiV encephalitis, having a mortality as high as 90%, with 20 confirmed cases occurred in the Southern State of Kerala. A relatively new disease,a rapid progression,a high mortality rate. These factors created public fear, the panic and confusion of people when faced with the unknown. Widespread campaigns were implemented in the state, both in mass and social media platforms to educate the public in the science behind the disease, its transmission and preventive measures and to address any concerns from the general population.These measures and a high level of public compliance may be what ultimately limited the disease progression from its erstwhile level of spread. OBJECTIVES:To study the myths and the realities of NiV infection, the perceived susceptibility of the people and their preventive and avoidance behavior during a Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode district, Kerala SETTING AND METHODOLOGY:A cross sectional study was done and data were collected using a pretested and precoded questionnaire from a random sample of residents of theCalicut corporation area. Inclusion criteria: The subjects were residents of Calicut city in the age group of 18 – 60. The interveners administered the questionnaire in the local language after getting due verbal consent and the data were collected. RESULTS: The results threw up a lot of interesting observations:  A major section of the study population opined that the disease might have reached Kerala through bats. Ninety percent knew that the causative agent was a virus. Almost half of the respondents had misconceptions regarding the mode of spread. The people gatheredinformation from the conventional media such as Print media, Television etc. 30-40 % people experienced emotional disturbances such as fear or depression during the outbreak. Around 70% took personalprotective measures and 60%restricted themselves from venturing out oftheir homes. Majority were satisfied with the measures taken by the administration and health personnel.