Clinician's Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Towards Prevention of Rheumatic Heart Disease in Bomet County, Kenya
Keywords:
Group A Streptococcus , Acute Rheumatic Fever, Rheumatic Heart Disease, Primary Healthcare WorkersAbstract
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), a complication of Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal infection, is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality globally, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). While prevention strategies are increasingly emphasized, there is a recognized gap in assessing clinicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards RHD prevention, especially in high-burden settings like Kenya. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP of clinicians regarding RHD prevention in Chepalungu, Bomet County, addressing this specific research gap. This was a cross-sectional study involving 98 clinicians from peripheral facilities in Chepalungu, Bomet County, conducted over four months. Data were collected using a questionnaire that assessed demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice related to RHD prevention. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions), Odds Ratios, and Chi-Square tests to determine associations between variables. Most participants demonstrated good overall knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning RHD prevention. However, critical knowledge gaps were identified in areas vital for patient management. Specifically, only 4% (4 out of 98 participants) had good knowledge of the diagnostic tests for bacterial pharyngitis and the correct duration of antibiotic prophylaxis. A statistically significant relationship was found between knowledge and practice (CI 95%, p=0.024) and between attitude and practice (CI 95%, p=<0.001). The study reveals generally positive attitudes and practices towards Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and RHD management, but also highlights significant knowledge deficits among clinicians. These findings underscore the critical need for continued medical education and ensuring accessible treatment guidelines across all healthcare levels to enhance RHD prevention efforts.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Annette Akinyi, Jonathan Nthula Nthusi, Jonathan Steen
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