Instilling Good Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among the Indigenous People of Malaysia Concerning Dog Associated Zoonotic Infections

Abstract

Background: The Jahai, a subethnic of the indigenous people of peninsular Malaysia, have commonly used dogs for hunting but have started to move away from traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, leaving dogs which were commonly used for hunting to wander around the villages and to multiply in numbers. Objective: The objective of this study was to instil good knowledge, attitude and practices of the Jahai community concerning dog associated zoonotic infections using One Health concept. Methods: This non-experimental pre and post-test intervention study was conducted among Jahai villagers aged 12 years and above living in a village located in the Belum forest in Malaysia. Interventions included health education and promotion using discussions, posters, slide presentations, comics and video clips with relevant content. In addition the children of the village were taught correct hand washing techniques and dog associated zoonotic infections. Results: In general most aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice improved post intervention. The knowledge on risk of infections transmitted from pet dogs (X2=4.293, p= 0.038) and the practice of washing hands before eating (X2=14.984, p <0.001) improved significantly. The increase in the mean scores of the participants knowledge (t=-9.875, p=<0.001) and attitude (t= -4.100, p=<0.001) post intervention was statistically significant. Conclusion: This study showed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team using One Health concept to successfully improve knowledge, attitude and practices related to dog associated infections. A sustained and committed health education and promotion interventions involving the community and school children in promoting heath should be custom made for indigenous communities, and sanitation and hygienic practices reinforced at every opportunity.