Survey of awareness of brucellosis prevention related knowledge in populations with occupational exposuresin Shawan, Xinjiang

Objective To understand the awareness of brucellosis prevention related knowledge in population with occupational exposures in Shawan county, Xinjiang. Methods A questionnaire about brucellosis prevention related knowledge awareness was developed according to the brucellosis surveillance protocol and actual situation in Shawan. The questionnaire survey was conducted among the village doctors, farmers/herdsmen, slaughterers and people engaged in animal trading randomly selected from 25 villages of 5 townships. Results A total of 493 questionnaires were returned. The overall awareness rate of brucellosis prevention related knowledge was 50.71%, and the rate was highest in village doctors (92.31%) and lowest in farmers/herdsmen(42.62%). The age specific awareness rate was lowest in age group 29 years(30.86%) and the education level specific awareness rate was lowest in illiteracy group (18.18%). Conclusion The awareness rates of brucellosis prevention related knowledge differed among the populations with occupational exposures. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the health education about brucellosis prevention.