Knowledge, attitude, and practices on leptospirosis among the residents of a selected urban community in Quezon City, Philippines: A cross-sectional study.
- Author:
Maria Junelle Kristine V. Cruz
1
;
Alyssa Beatriz M. Coquia
1
;
Elyzha Joyce P. Crave
1
;
Janine Czareniña P. Crescini
1
;
Geryl R. Cruz
1
;
Keanu Myles V. Cruz
1
;
Veronica B. Cuasay
1
;
Louella R. Cueva
1
;
Juan Martin G. Cunan
1
;
Jhossven Dave Ymanuel V. Cunanan
1
;
Franchesca Aliana C. Custodio
1
;
Anya Patrisha C. Dael
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Practice; Urban community;
- MeSH: Leptospirosis; Knowledge; Attitude; Parks, Recreational; Philippines
- From: Health Sciences Journal 2026;15(1):52-61
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted through exposure to water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. Despite ongoing prevention efforts, leptospirosis remains a public health concern in the Philippines, especially in flood-prone urban communities. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding leptospirosis among residents of Barangay Doña Imelda, Quezon City, and examined the association of selected sociodemographic factors
with KAP.
Methods:A cross-sectional design was used with 345 residents of Barangay Doña Imelda. Data were collected using an adapted KAP questionnaire. Open-ended questions were used to probe the responses further. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Spearman’s Rho correlation, Independent T-test, One-way and Welch ANOVA, and appropriate post hoc tests. Relationships among KAP domains were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results:Respondents demonstrated high levels of knowledge (86.80%) and positive attitudes (90.91%) toward leptospirosis, but comparatively lower practice scores (69.25%). Knowledge scores differed significantly according to household size and civil status, while attitude and practice scores varied significantly across sex, educational attainment, and household income. Weak but significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude (rs = 0.126, p = 0.020), knowledge and practice (rs = 0.169, p = 0.002), and attitude and practice (rs = 0.170, p = 0.001).
Conclusion:Residents of Barangay Doña Imelda demonstrated adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward leptospirosis; however, preventive practices remained suboptimal. Significant associations between KAP and selected sociodemographic factors were identified. Targeted health education, improved symptom recognition, and increased access to preventive resources may help strengthen leptospirosis prevention in high-risk urban communities. - Full text:2026072117305389339HSJ vol.15 no.1 - 52-61.pdf
