Background: Perceived severity and susceptibility refers to one's belief of the seriousness and the risk of contracting a specific disease. It is an essential study in public health as it assists in the understanding of the motivating factors towards disease prevention. This qualitative study aimed to explore perceived severity and susceptibility towards leptospirosis infection among respondents in two states of Malaysia.
Methods: Focus group discussions using the phenomenology approach was conducted involving 72 respondents in Selangor and Kelantan. Data were examined using content analysis.
Results: Respondents perceived leptospirosis infection as severe due to its poor disease prognosis and complications. However, some rated it less severe when compared with other chronic diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Their perceptions were influenced by their knowledge about the disease, media portrayal and frequency of health campaigns by the government. All respondents believed they were not susceptible to the disease.
Conclusion: The low perceived susceptibility of leptospirosis infection is a matter of concern as it may contribute to respondents' lack of motivation towards preventing the disease. The study findings may provide the basis for health promotional activities designed to heighten public perceived threat towards leptospirosis infection and thereby improving preventive health behaviors for avoiding leptospirosis.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176362 | DOI Listing |
Pathogens
January 2025
Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania.
is a bacteria responsible for a widespread zoonosis that affects both humans and animals. Leptospirosis is a challenging pathology to diagnose and treat since its signs are unspecific and symptoms vary greatly. The disease seems to be highly prevalent in environments where reservoir animals such as rats and small mammals are common.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicroorganisms
December 2024
Department of Entomology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Leptospirosis, a global zoonotic disease caused by spp., presents high morbidity and mortality risks, especially in tropical regions like Thailand. Military personnel deployed in endemic areas, such as during the Cobra Gold Joint exercise, face heightened exposure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Infect Dis
January 2025
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India.
Background: Dengue and leptospirosis are prominent vector-borne diseases in tropical and subtropical regions, sharing overlapping geographic distribution and clinical presentations, which complicates diagnosis and management. Co-infection of these pathogens places additional strain on healthcare resources in endemic areas. This study aims to systematically estimate the prevalence and mortality rates of dengue and leptospirosis co-infections and assess their clinical implications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS Negl Trop Dis
January 2025
Center for Infection and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The global priorities in the field of infectious diseases are constantly changing. While emerging viral infections have regularly dominated public health attention, which has only intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous bacterial diseases have previously caused, and continue to cause, significant morbidity and mortality-deserving equal attention. Three potentially life-threatening endemic bacterial diseases (leptospirosis, melioidosis, and rickettsioses) are a huge public health concern especially in low- and middle-income countries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Microbiol
January 2025
Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Peoples Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
Background: Leptospirosis is an acute zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic , primarily transmitted to humans through contact with water or soil contaminated by the bacteria. It is globally distributed, with heightened prevalence in tropical regions. While prior studies have examined the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and risk factors of leptospirosis, few have explored trends and emerging topics in the field.
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