Assessment of Public Awareness on One Health and Zoonoses in India

Author: Sivaprasad M.S. and Jisna K.S.

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Abstract

This study addresses the gap in public awareness of One Health and zoonoses in India. By assessing knowledge of the interconnections among human, animal, and environmental health, we aim to identify gaps and implement measures for disease prevention. We assessed public awareness of One Health and zoonoses, in India using a structured questionnaire developed from literature review. Data were collected via Google Forms, distributed individually and through public platforms like Gmail, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp, ensuring all questions were made mandatory to prevent incomplete submissions. The survey collected 374 responses across 24 states and 5 UTs in India, with the majority from Kerala (220). Most participants (58.9%) were aged 26-35, and 72% of them were familiar with term "One Health with 89.3% recognizing the human-environmental health connection and 74.9% linking animal and human health. The study revealed 84.3% awareness on "zoonoses," with 86.4% recognizing bidirectional transmission between animals and humans. Most (89.9%) believed zoonotic diseases are preventable. Rabies (97.3%) was the most recognized disease, while scrub typhus (66.9%) was least. Risk behaviours included raw milk consumption (7.2%), raw meat consumption (1.9%) especially in religious ceremonies and keeping pet indoors (29.9%), emphasizing prevention's importance. This study reveals substantial awareness of One Health and zoonotic diseases, in India. It emphasizes the need for targeted education, community engagement, and collaboration between medical and veterinary fields to enhance disease prevention and control efforts

Keywords

Awareness, Zoonoses, One health, India

Conclusion

This study assessed public awareness and knowledge of the One Health approach and zoonotic diseases across various Indian states. The findings revealed a significant understanding of the One Health concept, with 72% of participants recognizing its importance and 89.3% acknowledging the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health. To promote One Health, the study recommends integrating the concept into educational curricula and implementing community engagement programs, particularly targeting populations with lower education levels. Regarding zoonotic disease awareness, 84.3% of respondents were familiar with zoonoses, with high awareness of specific diseases such as rabies, tuberculosis, and anthrax. Despite this, certain risk behaviors, such as consuming raw vegetables and unpasteurized milk, were prevalent, underscoring the need for targeted health education on zoonosis prevention. The study emphasizes the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and veterinary professionals in effectively managing and preventing zoonotic diseases

References

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How to cite this article

Sivaprasad M.S. and Jisna K.S. (2024). Assessment of Public Awareness on One Health and Zoonoses in India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(11): 153-157