Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
7-14-2019
Abstract
This study explores knowledge sharing among public health professionals in managing zoonotic diseases in Plateau State. To achieve the objective of this study five research questions were raised to include: What is the perception of public health professionals about knowledge sharing in managing zoonotic diseases? What is the absorptive capacity of health professionals in managing zoonotic diseases? What factors motivate public health professionals to share knowledge in managing zoonotic diseases? What factors limit knowledge sharing of public health professionals in managing zoonotic diseases? How do the constructs of social exchange theory explain the perception of public health professionals about knowledge sharing in managing zoonotic disease? Social Exchange Theory provided the theoretical framework for the study. A qualitative method using a case study research design was used for the study. Data were collected through a semi- structured interview and focus group discussion. Purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for the study. Thirty-nine recorded voices were used for analysis. The analysis was done using qualitative content analysis. Findings revealed positive perception of public health professionals about knowledge sharing in managing zoonotic diseases as follows; Effective management of zoonotic diseases, Knowledge gap exist, Conform to the notion of “One Health Initiative”, Save humans lives. Also, the study found that; Public health professionals acquire external knowledge in managing zoonotic disease through multidisciplinary networks and Professional associations; Attending Seminars, Workshops, Symposia and Conferences; Consulting books, journals, and internet databases and During work routines and processes. Findings of the study also indicated that the two construct of social exchange theory reciprocity and trust explain the perception of health professionals about knowledge sharing in managing zoonotic disease. It is therefore, recommended that Stakeholders should take advantage of the positive perception of public health professionals and strengthens the capacities in the human and animal health sectors and create the mechanism necessary to effectively share knowledge among public health professionals in order to detect and respond to emerging health threats of zoonotic diseases.