Assessing Socioeconomic and Environmental Vulnerability and Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases From a One Health...

The interconnection between human, animal, and ecosystem health is crucial, particularly in rural areas, where several socio-economic and environmental risk factors heighten vulnerability to zoonotic diseases. This study aims to assess the vulnerability as well as knowledge and practices concerning zoonosis from a One Health perspective.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in rural areas of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, from July to December 2024, selected by simple random sampling. The socio-demographic and ecological risk factors, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding zoonosis were assessed utilizing a validated semi-structured questionnaire among 408 participants. Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA) and R programming (version 4.4.3; R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) were used for analyzing the data.

The study sample, comprising 238 (58.3%) males, had a mean age of 43.32 years, with 46 (11.3%) being illiterate. Around 134 (32.84%) belonged to the lower middle class, with 50 (12.3%) worked in agriculture, and 118 (28.9%) were unemployed. Around 96 (23.53%) of the population lived in kutcha houses, 151 (37.01%) reported dampness, and 253 (62.01%) reported overcrowding. Environmental issues include mosquito breeding in 279 (68.38%), open drains in 268 (65.69%), stray animals in 308 (75.49%), and rat infestations in 155 (37.99%) of communities. Around 321 (79%) of individuals demonstrated good knowledge, while only 96 (24%) exhibited a positive attitude and 107 (26%) engaged in good practices. We noted a negative attitude and poor practices among 120 (29%) and 170 (42%), respectively. Individuals aged 41 years and older (p=0.02) and pet owners (p=0.01) demonstrated a higher level of knowledge.

This study emphasizes the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in socially and ecologically disadvantaged populations to prevent zoonotic diseases. It identifies a gap between knowledge and practical application, advocating for behavior change for better rural health outcomes.