Health Literacy Gaps in Leptospirosis Prevention: Evidence from an Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Perceptions in Limboto Lake, Gorontalo

Abstract

In Indonesia, leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with rats as the main reservoir that remains a serious public health problem, especially in areas with high prevalence, including Lake Limboto and Gorontalo. The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of Leptospira in rats and examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions (KAPP) and health literacy. This study used a cross-sectional design with laboratory examination using PCR on 34 rat samples and a survey of KAP, perceptions, and health literacy among 168 respondents in two villages along Lake Limboto. Analysis of the relationship between variables was performed using the chi-square test. A total of 14 of 34 rat samples (41.2%) were detected positive for Leptospira. The study findings showed a strong correlation between health literacy and perceptions (p=0.002), practices (p=0.023), attitudes (p=0.008), and knowledge (p<0.001). Significant gaps in health literacy are highlighted by these findings, underscoring the need for integrated community-based interventions aligned with the one health paradigm. Reducing the burden of leptospirosis in coastal communities requires increased knowledge, improved risk perception, and encouragement of ongoing preventive measures.