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Shafie NJ, Abdul Halim NS, Nor Zalipah M, Mohd Amin NAZ, Syed Esa SM, Md-Nor S, Casanovas-Massana A, Ko AI, Palma F, Neves Souza F, Costa F. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Leptospirosis among Visitors to a Recreational Forest in Malaysia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1290-1296. [PMID: 33534768 PMCID: PMC8045624 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Juliani Shafie
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohamed Nor Zalipah
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Shukor Md-Nor
- School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Arnau Casanovas-Massana
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Albert I. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Palma
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Fabio Neves Souza
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Federico Costa
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Abdullah NM, Mohammad WMZW, Shafei MN, Sukeri S, Idris Z, Arifin WN, Nozmi N, Saudi SNS, Samsudin S, Zainudin AW, Hamat RA, Ibrahim R, Masri SN, Saliluddin SM, Daud A, Osman M, Jamaluddin TZMT. Leptospirosis and its prevention: knowledge, attitude and practice of urban community in Selangor, Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:628. [PMID: 31117995 PMCID: PMC6532156 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is still endemic in Malaysia and has been prevalent in Selangor where cases have been underreported. Primarily, this was due to lack of awareness in the urban community in this region. This study determined the knowledge, attitude and preventive practice (KAP) of leptospirosis, and identified the significant predictors influencing KAP among urban community in Hulu Langat, Selangor. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2015 to 2017 using validated questionnaire. Sampling methods included multistage cluster sampling, followed by simple random sampling to obtain 315 respondents. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine the KAP while χ2 and the subsequent logistic regression analysis were carried out to identify associations and predictors between variables. RESULTS Respondents were mainly Malaysian Bumiputra with a mean (Standard Deviation (SD)) age of 32.5 (13.0) years. Of 315 respondents, 80.3% (n = 253) had poor knowledge, 87.0% (n = 274) had good attitude, and 81.3% (n = 256) showed unacceptable practice towards leptospirosis and its prevention. Regression analysis identified age as the sole predictor influencing good knowledge (AOR 2.388; 95% CI = 1.298, 4.396; p = 0.005). Education level (AOR 2.197; 95% CI = 1.109, 4.352; p = 0.024) was also noted as the significant predictor influencing the overall practice. CONCLUSIONS The urban community in Selangor showed a positive attitude in waste management despite having little knowledge regarding the disease itself. The study also discovered inadequacy in preventive practice, hence marking the importance of the proper integration of knowledge and attitude into forming an acceptable practice to reduce transmission of Leptospira among urban population in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Munirah Abdullah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Mohd Zahiruddin Wan Mohammad
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nazri Shafei
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Surianti Sukeri
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zawaha Idris
- Health Promotion Unit, Penang State Health Department, Floor 7, Bangunan Persekutuan, Jalan Anson, 10400, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Wan Nor Arifin
- Unit of Biostatistics and Research Methodology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Noramira Nozmi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Sakinah Saudi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suhailah Samsudin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul-Wahab Zainudin
- Health Department of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya, Jalan Cenderasari, 50590, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rukman Awang Hamat
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rosni Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Norbaya Masri
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Aziah Daud
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Malina Osman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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A P, Bd A, Wm Z, S MN, S S, Tj TZ, Ra H, O M, I N, I Z, Aw Z. Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Health Beliefs toward Leptospirosis among Urban and Rural Communities in Northeastern Malaysia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:ijerph15112425. [PMID: 30388737 PMCID: PMC6266327 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries such as Malaysia. This study was designed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) toward leptospirosis among the communities in northeastern Malaysia and to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with the KABP toward leptospirosis. A cross-sectional study using a stratified sampling method was conducted among 214 individuals in four locales in northeastern Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 respondents in northeastern Malaysia using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. The study population was divided into two groups based on geographical locations: urban and rural. All data were entered and analyzed using the IBM Statistics for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 software for Windows (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The continuous variables were presented using mean and standard deviation (SD), whereas the categorical variables were described using frequency and percentage. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the associated factors for good KABP toward leptospirosis among the respondents. Results: It was found that 52.8% of respondents had good knowledge, 84.6% had positive attitudes, 59.8% had positive beliefs, and 53.7% had satisfactory practices. There were no significant sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge and practice, except for educational status, which was significant in the attitude and belief domains. Those with higher education exhibited better attitudes (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.329; 95% Coefficient Interval (CI): 1.140, 9.723; p = 0.028) and beliefs (OR 3.748; 95% CI: 1.485, 9.459; p = 0.005). The communities in northeastern Malaysia generally have good knowledge and a high level of positive attitude; however, this attitude cannot be transformed into practice as the number of people with satisfactory practice habits is much lower compared to those with positive attitudes. As for the belief domain, the communities must have positive beliefs to perceive the threat of the disease. Conclusions: Our current health program on preventing leptospirosis is good in creating awareness and a positive attitude among the communities, but is not sufficient in promoting satisfactory practice habits. In conclusion, more attention needs to be paid to promoting satisfactory practice habits among the communities, as they already possess good knowledge and positive attitudes and beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pathman A
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Aziah Bd
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Zahiruddin Wm
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Nazri S
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Sukeri S
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Tengku Zetty Tj
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia.
| | - Hamat Ra
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia.
| | - Malina O
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia.
| | - Norazlin I
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Zawaha I
- Health Promotion Unit, Penang State Health Department, Floor 7, Bangunan Persekutuan, Jalan Anson, 10400 Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Zainudin Aw
- Health Department of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Jalan Cenderasari, Kuala Lumpur 50590, Malaysia.
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Ricardo T, Bergero LC, Bulgarella EP, Previtali MA. Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding leptospirosis among residents of riverside settlements of Santa Fe, Argentina. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006470. [PMID: 29734328 PMCID: PMC5957447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is a global and re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira spirochetes that are shed into the environment by infected animals. Humans can get infected via contact with animal hosts or contaminated environment. In Argentina, the highest annual incidences were reported in the province of Santa Fe, where epidemic outbreaks occurred during flooding events. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding leptospirosis among residents of riverside slum settlements from Santa Fe after a major flood. METHODS AND FINDINGS A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 113 residents of 3 riverside settlements from Santa Fe. The influence of knowledge and attitudes regarding leptospirosis on the likelihood that an individual will use preventive practices were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models. The majority of respondents (83.2%) had previously heard about leptospirosis; however specific knowledge about leptospirosis was limited. The results of the modeling efforts, show that the likelihood of using preventive practices was associated with having greater knowledge score, but not with more positive attitudes. We also found that females were more likely to use safer practices than males. CONCLUSIONS Even though the majority of respondents had heard about leptospirosis, a high percentage of them had limited knowledge regarding the severity of the disease and its prevalence in the region. Our results suggest that public health interventions in these riverside communities should focus on educating the public on the multiple dimensions of leptospirosis in order to attain greater adherence to preventive practices instead of intending to change the perceptions or attitudes towards the disease, which did not have a significant influence. The key challenge lies in identifying effective strategies to reach the high risk group for leptospirosis here that is male fishermen, who spend most of the time in precarious campsites on the river islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ricardo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales/ Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias/ Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Laura C. Bergero
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales/ Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias/ Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Esteban P. Bulgarella
- Observatorio Social/ Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M. Andrea Previtali
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales/ Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias/ Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Semiz UB, Turhan V, Basoglu C, Oner O, Ebrinc S, Cetin M. Leptospirosis presenting with mania and psychosis: four consecutive cases seen in a military hospital in Turkey. Int J Psychiatry Med 2006; 35:299-305. [PMID: 16480244 DOI: 10.2190/0kux-je1j-hv6k-3r9j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present the clinical features and the treatment alternatives of manic and psychotic symptoms in patients with leptospirosis. METHODS Clinical observation and diagnosis of four cases with leptospirosis presenting with psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS Leptospirosis diagnoses were established by recovery of the organism from culture, macroagglutination tests, and dark field microscopy in all cases. Leptospira ELISA-Ig M was also positive in all cases. Microagglutination tests were positive in case 1 and case 2. All of the cases were also screened for other possible medical, infectious, and neurological disorders that could account for their clinical symptoms. Patients were treated with a combination of antibiotics, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. CONCLUSIONS The presence of manic and psychotic symptoms with fever and high transaminase and/or CPK levels in high risk occupational groups during rainy periods should alert the physician to the possibility of leptospirosis. The psychiatric symptoms are sensitive to anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers but not to antimicrobial treatment, suggesting that the psychiatric picture may not be related to direct invasion of the central nervous system by the infectious agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umit B Semiz
- GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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