Zoonotic disease knowledge attitude and practices among rural hunting communities in Gabon

Zoonotic diseases represent a major public health concern in Central Africa, where forest-dependent communities experience frequent contact with wildlife through hunting activities, bushmeat handling, consumption, and trade. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to zoonotic diseases among communities engaged in hunting practices, bushmeat consumption, and wildlife trade in Mulundu Department.

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted from April 2023 to April 2024 among 326 participants from five communities. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of zoonoses, perceived transmission routes, clinical signs, attitudes, and preventive practices were collected through structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Knowledge was assessed using 13 items and categorized into poor or good knowledge level. Associations between knowledge level and participant characteristics were examined using Pearson's chi-square tests and logistic regression.

Overall, 72.7% of respondents had previously heard of zoonotic diseases, with Ebola being the most frequently identified. Most participants had poor knowledge overall (69.3%), while 30.7% had good knowledge. Knowledge level varied significantly by regroupement (p = 0.037), and age (p = 0.023). Attitudes toward prevention were generally positive, up to 31.0% of participants remained uncertain about how to respond appropriately in high-risk situations.

These findings highlight important geographic and behavioral gaps in zoonotic disease preparedness and support the need for sustained, culturally adapted, community-based One Health interventions in rural communities in Gabon.