Abstract
Leptospirosis is a preventable zoonosis of public health importance. Due to seasonal
floods and paucity of studies regarding leptospirosis preventive practices in community
setting in this country, a study was conducted to determine spatial distribution of
knowledge, attitude and practice on leptospirosis preventive practices using stratum risk
identification methods among residents in a flood prone area in Kuantan via
Geographical Information System (GIS). A cross-sectional study was conducted in
Perkampungan Sungai Isap, Kuantan, Pahang, which obtained 568 respondents by
stratified proportionate random sampling technique. Data were collected using a
validated guided questionnaire. Geographical coordinates were obtained using Garmin
gpsmap 62s. Multivariate logistic regression was done using SPSS version 22.0 and
spatial mapping using ArcGIS version 9. The response rate was 83.4%. Flood-risk strata
were divided into high risk (less than 500 metres), medium risk (500 to 1000 metres)
and low risk (more than 1000 metres). Linear measurements were made using ArcMap.
Overall, majority (68%) of the respondents had good knowledge. However, only 38%
of the respondents had satisfactory attitude and 18% had satisfactory practice. Spatial
mapping showed that the lower the stratum risk towards flooding, the poorer the
preventive practices. Multivariate logistic regression showed the predictors of
satisfactory leptospirosis preventive practices were high-risk stratum (aOR=4.28, 95%
CI [1.92, 9.57], P<0.001), good knowledge (aOR=1.73, 95% CI [1.04, 2.90], P<0.05)
and age group 30 to 39 (aOR=0.30, 95% CI [0.11, 0.83], P<0.05). In conclusion, GIS
is a valuable tool for leptospirosis surveillance by facilitating disease prevention
programmes to targeted risk areas.
Edre M.A, Hayati K.S, Salmiah M.S, Sharifah Nor. (2018) Spatial distribution of knowledge, attitude and practice on leptospirosis prevention and its predictors using stratum risk identification methods among residents in a flood prone area in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, Volume 6, Special Issue.
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