2.1 Ethical statement Ethical approval was obtained from concerned authority, that is, ERB of AIUB, during data collection. Respondent’s dignity and respects were maintained and interviews were taken with strict privacy. There were no potential risks that might cause any harm to study respondent. They were ensured that their personal identity was kept confidential and the data will be used only for study purpose. Moreover, respondents were allowed to withdraw themselves at any stage of the study.
2.2 Study design and location A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Meherpur and Sirajgonj District for the period of 6 months from September, 2019 to February, 2020. Six upazilla (small administrative area) including Shahajadpur, Ullahpara, Kamarkand, Belkuchi, Raiganj, Sirajgonj sadar from Sirajgonj district and one upazilla including Gangni were considered for this study.
2.3 Study population Purposive sampling was conducted to identify respondents. The purpose of collecting this information was to compare level of knowledge, attitudes and practices among community members who raised livestock. After explaining the purpose of the study and obtaining verbal consent, a face-to-face interview was taken using the questionnaire. Respondents were provided with a detailed explanation of each question in a language in which they are conversant. They were assured that the supplied information will be kept confidential and will be used only for the study purpose.
2.4 Sample size calculation In order to generate sufficient information of the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding anthrax among community members in Meherpur and Sirajgonj, sample size was determined by the following formula: n = Z2P(1 – P)/d2. Where n = required sample size, Z = confidence level at 95% (standard value 1.96), P = proportion (0.5) is the expected proportion of community members with knowledge on cause/symptom or mode of transmission of anthrax, d = level of precision at 5%. n = 1.962 × 0.5 × 0.5/ (0.05)2 = 3.8416 × 0.25/0.0025 = 384.16 ∼ 385. Nonresponse = 10% = 38.5∼39. Then, required sample size was = (385 + 39) = 424.
2.5 Development of research instrument Self-structured questionnaires were used for data collection from community respondents of the survey areas. The questionnaires captured information on socio-demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding anthrax. A questionnaire designed for this study was partly adapted from similar studies conducted elsewhere (Bingham, 2010; Matibag et al., 2007). It consisted of 06 closed and 12 open ended questions. The questionnaire consisted of three segments: (1) items regarding the respondent and socio-demographic information (age, sex, education level, occupation, number of people in the household, animal ownership status, location); (2) questions related to the knowledge and perception of anthrax; and (3) questions related to attitudes and perception of anthrax and its control activities. The questionnaire was prior tested in order to improve clarity and interpretation.
2.6 Data analysis At the end of each day of data collection, all questionnaires were handed over and reviewed by the investigator to ensure that all variables had been correctly filled. Data from household questionnaires were entered into Excel spreadsheet, scored and further exported to SPSS for descriptive analysis. Data collected through key informant interviews was analysed using thematic analysis procedures. The data were used to compliment and elaborate quantitative findings and clarify relevant aspects of anthrax related practices and behaviour.