Knowledge, Attitudes, and Training Needs of Veterinary Technical Officers in Small Animal Clinical Management: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bojonegoro, Indonesia

Background: Veterinary Technical Officers (VTOs) serve as frontline personnel in small animal health management at the district level. However, evidence-based evaluations of their knowledge, attitudes, and training needs in small animal clinical management remain limited in Indonesia.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the baseline knowledge, attitudes, training satisfaction, and training needs of VTOs regarding small animal case handling and treatment in Bojonegoro Regency, East Java, Indonesia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 27 VTOs from Disnakkan Bojonegoro who participated in a Technical Guidance (Bimbingan Teknis) program. A validated structured questionnaire assessed knowledge and attitudes (Likert scale, items P9–P18), training needs and expectations (items P19–P23), and competency using a 15-item pre-test and post-test. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was applied for pre-post comparison. A Satisfaction Index (SI) was computed as (mean/5) × 100%.
Results: The mean knowledge and attitude score was 4.34/5 (SI = 86.8%), while the mean training needs score was 4.41/5 (SI = 88.1%). The highest training need was identified for practical medication training (P20, P21; SI = 91.9% each). The pre-test mean was 14.96/15, with all 27 participants achieving a perfect post-test score (15/15). The Wilcoxon test showed no statistically significant difference (W = 0, p = 0.317), attributed to a ceiling effect. Instrument reliability was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.947). Training satisfaction was high (92.6% of participants rated score ≥4), with a strong positive correlation between competency and satisfaction (ρ = 0.816, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: VTOs in Bojonegoro demonstrated high baseline competency and strong satisfaction with the technical guidance program. Priority training needs include practical pharmacology, clinical diagnostic skills, and owner communication. A ceiling effect limited pre-posttest sensitivity, suggesting future programs should incorporate advanced competency assessments. Regular follow-up mentoring and provision of diagnostic tools are recommended.