Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Relating to Leptospirosis among the Rural Communities in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis of worldwide public health importance but is endemic in the tropics. Leptospirosis is enzootic in Kenya, and there was an outbreak in Bungoma County in 2004 with serious public health consequences. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bungoma County to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the rural community in relation to leptospirosis. A validated questionnaire encompassing demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice in relation to leptospirosis was administered to 388 respondents. The study shows that 85.5% of the residents are aware of the disease, while 54.1% have basic knowledge about leptospirosis. The majority of the respondents lack comprehensive knowledge about leptospirosis, especially with regard to its cause, mode of transmission, and the fact that it is zoonotic in nature. This study shows that there are knowledge gaps, beliefs, and practices that exacerbate the spread of leptospirosis in the rural communities of Bungoma County. It is therefore recommended that community health education for leptospirosis be initiated to enhance knowledge, foster a positive attitude, and discourage risky practices in Bungoma County.