Awareness and Preventive Practices on Leptospirosis in Flood-Prone Communities of Marikina City, Philippines

Abstract

Leptospirosis remains a neglected zoonotic disease in the Philippines, with recurrent outbreaks during flood seasons. Flood-prone communities, such as those in Marikina City, face persistent risks from contaminated waters and rodent infestation, making local awareness and preventive practices critical for disease control.  This study assessed the level of awareness and preventive practices against leptospirosis among residents of three high-risk barangays in Marikina City—Tumana, Malanday, and Nangka—while examining demographic variations and the relationship between awareness, attitudes, and preventive behaviors.  A descriptive–correlational design was employed with 150 purposively sampled residents. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire covering demographic profile, awareness (transmission, symptoms, prevention), attitudes, and reported preventive practices. Descriptive statistics summarized responses, ANOVA and t-tests compared differences across demographic variables, and Pearson’s correlation tested associations among awareness, attitude, and practice.  Respondents demonstrated high awareness overall (74% in the 51–75% category), particularly regarding transmission and preventive measures, but with gaps in symptom recognition and secondary reservoirs. Attitudes were uniformly strong (overall mean = 4.49/5), emphasizing cleanliness, early consultation, and communal responsibility. Preventive practices were consistently high (overall mean = 4.43/5), especially in sanitation, food safety, and wound care, though avoidance of floodwater exposures remained less consistent. Awareness differed significantly by educational attainment (p = 0.002) and barangay (p = 0.025), while attitudes and practices showed no significant variation across demographics. Correlation analysis revealed that awareness had weak positive links with attitudes (r = 0.202) and practices (r = 0.269), whereas attitudes strongly predicted preventive practices (r = 0.759, p < 0.001).  Residents of Marikina’s flood-prone barangays exhibit strong preventive orientations and practices, but knowledge gaps and structural barriers persist. Effective leptospirosis prevention requires a three-pronged strategy: (1) targeted campaigns to strengthen symptom recognition and secondary transmission awareness, (2) reinforcement of preventive attitudes through community engagement, and (3) provision of enabling supports such as protective gear, waste services, and accessible clinical care.