KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES (KAP) OF PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTION AND VACCINATION AMONG SUDANESE HAJJ PILGRIMS, 2016

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Pneumococcal infection and vaccination among Sudanese Hajj pilgrims. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was followed in the study and a questionnaire was administered among the sample consisting of 614 Sudanese pilgrims. The data was analysed by SPSS, and the reliability and validity of the sample was evaluated using Cronbach Alpha. Results: Pilgrims did not have enough knowledge regarding the vaccination and infection of pneumococcus. Moreover, age and first, second, third or more than third time Hajj were significant factors in affecting the knowledge regarding the infection, with P-value 0.043 and 0.032, respectively. On the other hand, age and residence were important factors in affecting the attitudes towards the infection with P-value, 0.032 and 0.049, respectively. Lastly, level of education was found to influence both knowledge and attitude towards the infection. Conclusion: Healthcare workers and general practitioners should play an important role in spreading awareness regarding the infection. Keywords: Pneumococcal, Pneumonia, Infection, Vaccination, Hajj Pilgrims, Sudanese