Farmers’ occupational health, perception and practices towards leptospirosis: A cause for concern

Abstract

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease with a global distribution. Exposure to Leptospira is a major occupational health concern with farmers. Lack of awareness of disease can result in delay in seeking medical care which has serious implications on morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards leptospirosis among farmers in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka.Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross sectional study conducted among farmers in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess the KAP of 120 randomly selected farmers in the Homagama, Padukka, Boralesgamuwa and Kotte Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas.Results: The majority of respondents were in the 50-74 year age group and 85% were male. The majority of participants had reasonable knowledge (74%) of the method of transmission, symptoms, complications and preventive measures of leptospirosis, which was occupationally related to farming. Satisfactory attitudes towards disease prevention was demonstrated by 92.5% and 53.3% had favorable practices.Conclusion: The results of the study imply that knowledge of leptospirosis among the farming community can be improved further. This in turn may help to translate toward better attitudes and practices.

Keywords

• attitudes, knowledge, leptospirosis, practices