Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices (KAP) of Brucellosis in Occupationally Exposed Groups in Armenia

Brucellosis, a bacterial disease caused by the genus Brucella, is a zoonotic
and occupational disease. A high risk of infection with Brucella is associated
with the workplace. Infection may occur by inhalation, conjunctival or skin
contamination, accidental injury with a syringe, or exposure in a slaughterhouse
or food processing facility. This study delves into Brucellosis, a zoonotic
bacterial disease caused by Brucella, focusing on occupational exposure
among slaughterhouse workers and food processors in Armenia. The research
assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 306 participants, including
18 slaughterhouse workers and 288 food processors (76 meat and 212 milk
employees). Despite universal awareness (100 %) of Brucellosis risk, the
study uncovers potential shortcomings in workplace practices, notably in the
use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as 43.9 % of respondents wash
their working clothes at home. The findings underscore the need for ongoing
education and remediation efforts to enhance safety measures and also emphasize
the imperative of addressing these issues within at-risk groups in Armenia.