ISSN: 2640-2653
Authors: Al-Nowihi M*, Al-Arnoot S, Abdullah QYM and Al-Thobhani A
Background: Because of limited treatment options for brucella infection, preventive strategies are important. Knowledge and awareness are essential for the success of preventive strategies. Objectives: To investigate the knowledge of human brucellosis among pregnant women. Study Design: A questionnaire on brucella infection was sent to pregnant women by snowball sampling. Knowledge concerning epidemiology, transmission, symptoms and signs of brucella infection in pregnant women, and treatment options were evaluated. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 304 pregnant women. The respondents estimated a prevalence of hearing about brucella and brucellosis control of brucella infection varying between 6.3% to 7.2% .The mean knowledge scores regarding transmission and postnatal symptoms increased with a more advanced career stage (i.e. older age). Gender and parenthood did not contribute to knowledge, but the field of expertise did. Respondents in the field of pediatrics had the highest mean score on postnatal symptoms and long-term effects. Respondents working in the field of gynecology and obstetrics were unaware of the precise transmission route of brucella. Conclusion: The knowledge of brucella infection among pregnant women in the Netherlands contained several gaps. Increasing knowledge and awareness is expected to enhance the prevention of transmission, to improve recognition, and to stimulate diagnostic investigations and follow-up programs.
Keywords: Seroprevalence; Brucella; Pregnant women; ELISA; Sana'a; Yemen
