Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Bioterrorism Threats among Undergraduates of KAATSU International University (KIU)

Abstract

Bioterrorism is the intentional use of microorganisms or toxins derived from living organisms to produce death or disease in humans, animals, and plants. Bioterrorism potentially could lead to disastrous consequences and these attacks are continuing panic threats in public health and ultimately influence the nation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of bioterrorism threats among undergraduates of KAATSU International University. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested self-administrated closedended questionnaire as an online survey. A total of 240 undergraduates (167 females and 73 males) were enrolled. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 28 and the overall knowledge, attitude, and practice were categorized using Bloom’s cut-off point. Statistical analysis was done using a chi-square test. According to resulted data, the overall knowledge, attitude, and practices on bioterrorism of undergraduates were poor. There was no statistically significant relationship found between gender and overall knowledge, attitude, or practice. However, there was a significant relationship between participants’ faculties with overall knowledge, attitude, and practice. Also, there was a significant relationship between knowledgeattitude, attitude-practice, and knowledge-practice of the participants. It can be concluded that undergraduates did not have enough knowledge, attitudes, and practices to perform a number of key roles in preparedness and respond to a bioterrorist attack unless provided with additional training. Hence, we strongly urge that a high priority should be set on providing the targeted population with the knowledge and training necessary to respond effectively to a bioterrorist threat.