KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING TICK-BORNE DISEASE AND TICK PREVENTION STRATEGIES AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KECH DISTRICT, BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

Ticks are the blood sucking parasitic arthropods, different from other arthropods sub-phylum. Ticks are capable of transmitting tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in ruminants and humans also. There a serious lack of knowledge among people especially in youth regarding tick and tick-borne diseases (TBDs). This study was a KAP based study performed school students of class 9^th and 10^th in different schools in Absor region of Turbat District Kech, Balochistan in January 2025. Firstly a structured questionnaire was designed to access the knowledge and practice of students towards animals and ticks and face to face interviews also. The study results in 60% participants that were aware of ticks, but a very few of them have knowledge of TBDs. The univariate analysis shows that the participants who practiced in vaccination were only 22% [OR=0.93 (95% CI: 0.38-2.25)]. Forty five percent observed the tick infestations [OR=0.91 (95% CI: 0.37-2.26)]. Overall, only 52.50% of respondents have a guidance of veterinary clinics nearby them [OR=0.91 (95% CI: 0.36-2.29)]. Majority, about 73.75% were the residence of rural areas [OR=0.80 (95% CI: 0.31-2.04)]. Despite knowing about ticks the knowledge was critical regarding tick and TBPs among the students interviewed. The findings of the study underlines the need of fulfilling knowledge gaps and initiating public awareness programs and educating children by organizing workshops in schools regarding tick prevention and tick control strategies.