Influence of Knowledge to Behavior Changing on the Prevention of Leptospirosis: Case Study at Ban-Kun-Hual, Tambon Mae-Phung, Wang-Chin District, Phrae

Abstract

The objectives of this study was to investigate the knowledge and behavior on the prevention of leptospirosis of the people in Ban-Kun-Hual, Tambon Mae-Pung, Wang-Chin District, Phrae Province, Thailand. Respondents were selected by simple random sampling technique. The 160 respondents were interviewed during July-November, 2007. The data analysis showed most of respondents was rice field farmer (62.0%). Over two-thirds were primary education (66.9%). Respondents' knowledge on leptospirosis was mostly at good level (80.6%). Respondents' behavior on prevention of leptospirosis was mostly at moderate level (66.2%). The knowledge on leptospirosis was significantly related to behavior on prevention of leptospirosis (p=0.011, r=0.546). The knowledge that had less was sign and symptom of disease, impact of disease to human, and the possibility of infection whit long contact to contaminated water. The behavior which had less action were the problem solving, food sanitation and not wearing boot when working in the rice field. Increasing knowledge to the people in order to motivate the behavior changing on prevention of leptospirosis should be recommended. Participation from villagers should be one of the strategy for further surveillance and prevention of leptospirosis.