Philippine E-Journals

Level of Awareness, Attitude, and Practice towards Leptospirosis (Leptospira spirochetes) among the Riverside Residents in Laguna

Aliah Audrey Abiera | Michael Vincent Algozo | Jannel Averion | Krizel Anne Lirio | Andrea Louise Manalo | Maricris Agawin | Leah F Quinto

 

Abstract:

Leptospirosis spreads throughout contact of humans to contaminated areas with bacterial infection caused by pathogenic genus Leptospira that comes from wild and domesticated species. Studies showed that Philippines have high risks of acquiring bacterial infection as the country is considered one of the tropical countries that experience heavy rain falls and floods. This study aims to determine the level of awareness, attitudes, and practices of the residents in Laguna towards leptospirosis. Determining the level of awareness, attitudes, and practices along with its relationship with one another were based on a standardized questionnaire given to the respondents. Statistical analysis of the study includes frequency distribution, weighted mean, and Spearman-rho correlation. The results indicate the respondents’ awareness towards the infection, attitude of everyone, and with how practices were being conducted by the group. It also determines the significance in correlating awareness and attitudes, awareness and practices, and attitudes and practices. There is a satisfactory level of awareness coming from the respondents, pleasant views and opinions from the situational attitude, and majority of practiced preventive measures done. For the correlation analysis, awareness and attitudes were insignificant, awareness and practices were insignificant, and attitudes and practices were positively significant. It is recommended that occupational health entities in the working sector should be strengthened by incorporating measures to monitor leptospirosis and other zoonotic diseases, providing health and safety training programs and encouraging collaboration between health policy makers, local government, relevant organizations, and cooperatives.