Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Leptospirosis among Visitors to a Recreational Forest in Malaysia

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and a worldwide public health problem that affects mainly high-risk groups. Characterizing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among high-risk groups is important to develop appropriate prevention programs. Here, we performed a cross-sectional study among 300 visitors of a recreational forest in Malaysia to examine leptospirosis KAP and demographics. These variables were integrated to create knowledge and practice scores for each respondent. All respondents had heard about leptospirosis, and 87% of them correctly identified it as a disease. The majority of respondents had high knowledge (63%), positive attitude, and good practice (68%) toward prevention of the disease. However, there were gaps in knowledge, with 78% of the respondents indicating eating without washing hands as the major cause of leptospirosis transmission. Our final model identified that higher knowledge score was associated with higher practice score. Our results indicate that it is important to increase knowledge, especially on transmission routes of leptospirosis, among visitors in recreational areas. Moreover, more attention needs to be paid to promote good practice habits among visitors, targeting those at higher risk of being infected by leptospirosis to prevent potential outbreaks in the recreational areas.

Knowledge and Awareness of Leptospirosis Among Malaysian Population: A Pilot Study

“…Other studies include obtaining data among visitors in the Lata Belantan recreational forest to assess their KAP levels. Most respondents demonstrated a high knowledge level (63%) and good practices (68%) in disease prevention, showing a direct correlation between high knowledge and preventive practices (Shafie et al, 2021). The study also found that by using informative signage in recreational areas can effectively communicate essential information about leptospirosis to visitors.…”

“…Besides reducing contact with the animal population, preventive interventions must focus on the current knowledge and awareness of the local population, particularly those at higher risk of infection (Shafie et al, 2021). While surveys may have been conducted in certain regions or countries to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) levels, there is limited comprehensive global survey specifically focused on leptospirosis.…”

Leptospirosis in Malaysia: current status, insights, and future prospects

“…However, the level of knowledge and attitude were insufficient to translate into good behavior practices. A study on visitors to a recreational forest in Terengganu state showed higher knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices toward preventing leptospirosis [ 100 ]. However, most of them still had limited knowledge of the route of transmission and prevention measures.…”

Development and Item Analysis of a Self-Reporting Instrument to Capture Children's Knowledge and Behaviours on Zoonotic-Related Diseases from Household Pets

“…To date, no nationwide study in Malaysia has assessed the children's knowledge of diseases transmitted by pets and their pet-care practices. Most research targets adults and a single disease [5,13,1,40,42], excluding the study conducted by Rashid (2018). Nevertheless, Rashid (2018) targeted those aged 12 and older.…”