Public Knowledge and Attitude Toward Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Tokat Turkey

Background: The World health Organization (WHO) declares Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fe ver (CCHF) endemic in Turkey. Despite the magnitude of problem, no documented evi dence exists in Turkey, which reveals the aware-ness and practices of the country’s adult popula tion regarding CCHF, its spread, symptoms, treatment, and preven-tion. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CCHF in people visit ing terti ary care hospital in Tokat, Turkey. Methods: This questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients’ rela tives or guardians who ad mitted pediatric outpatient clinics during May-July 2008. The question naire was composed of 25 questions. Results: A total of 1034 respondents participated in the survey. Sufficient knowledge about CCHF was not found in 28.9% of the sample. Literate individuals were relatively better informed about CCHF as compared to the illiterate peo ple. Television and radio were con sidered as the most important and useful source of information on the disease. Conclusion: We have found insufficient knowledge on CCHF in our population. It is thought to have no chance of suc cess against a fatal disease such as CCHF, which has serious consequences, without the contribution of commu-nity. It is clear that there are important tasks for health, agri culture, and media sectors to improve public knowledge and awareness about CCHF.