Author : Phap Ngoc Hoang Tran

Summary : Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which has wide range of animal species reservoirs, both wildlife and domestic animals, which serve as sources of infection for human. The disease has worldwide distribution, especially in countries located in tropical climate zones such as Thailand. The study aimed to determine the perceptions and risky behaviors among households in Chikorkor and Lawa Moo Ten villages. The cross-sectional descriptive study collected data in March 2017. Data on individuals’ perceptions and risky behaviors concerning leptospirosis were collected from 107 completed questionnaires in Chikorkor and Lawa Moo Ten, respectively.

Animal husbandry was the risk factor of Chikorkor and Lawa Moo Ten with odd ratios of 8.18 (1.73 to 76) and 16.3 (5.6 to 48.6), respectively. Furthermore, working time in the field with barefoot was a risk factor in Lawa Moo Ten with odds ratio of 2.6 (1.1 to 7.1). Thus, appropriate perceptions and preventive behaviors regarding leptospirosis are important in preventing the disease.

This study suggested that people in these areas should have good knowledge about leptospirosis. However, some people have risky behavior associated with leptospirosis. Thus, a behavioral change campaign should be promoted to encourage people’s awareness of the dangers of such behavior.