| dc.description.abstract | Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), a complication of Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal infection of the throat and skin is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality among young adults in the world. RHD’s prevalence is disproportionately high in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). As a result, there is increased global pressure for SSA countries to embrace primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies. Provision of the available, accessible and affordable monthly benzathine penicillin injection is key as a secondary prevention intervention. However, critical healthcare gaps exist that render the prevention strategies ineffective and perpetuate the continued RHD endemicity in SSA countries like Kenya. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the Knowledge, attitude and Practices of Clinicians in preventing Group A Streptococcus throat Infection Progression to Rheumatic Heart Disease in peripheral facilities within Bomet County, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey targeting 98 health care practitioners comprising medical officers(2), clinical officers(26) and nursing officers(70) attending to children in peripheral facilities in Bomet County was conducted over a period of four (4) months. Data was collected using a questionnaire focusing on demographics and assessments of knowledge, attitude and practice. Tables and charts are used to demonstrate the demographic data. The analysis involved use of frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and means with standard deviation for continuous variables. The majority of the participants had good knowledge, attitude and practice. However, key aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice scored poorly across the cadres, and these areas inform patient management. There was notable poor knowledge of the diagnostic tests for bacterial pharyngitis as well as the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, only 4%of the participants responded correctly. Only 42% and 44% of participants knew the correct treatment for carditis and the elements of the Jones Criteria respectively. Medical officers were more likely than clinical and nursing officers to agree that there is a relationship between overcrowding and low socioeconomic status and RHD prevalence. In conclusion, while the study reveals generally positive attitudes and practices towards Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease management among healthcare professionals in Bomet County. It also highlights significant knowledge gaps, particularly among nursing officers. These findings underscore the need for continued medical education and the potential benefit of establishing standardized protocols for ARF and RHD management across all levels of healthcare facilities. The strong support for public health initiatives suggests that healthcare professionals would be receptive to such interventions. The recommendations arising from this study include expansion of the study to other counties or regions to get a more comprehensive picture, an investigation of the reasons behind the knowledge gaps and attitude differences to inform targeted interventions and an evaluation of the impact of educational interventions on KAP scores over time. | en_US |
