Abstract
Abstract
Background
Zoonotic diseases are a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where human-animal interaction is high. Dogs are the primary transmitters of several critical diseases, such as rabies, echinococcosis, and leishmaniasis. Despite these risks, there is limited research on the awareness levels of high-risk groups within academic settings. This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dog-associated zoonotic diseases among undergraduate health students, cleaning staff, and security personnel.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2025, recruiting 424 participants through stratified random sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews and an online Kobo Toolbox link to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The data were entered into Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 27, with results presented in tables and narrative summaries; chi-square (χ²) tests were used to assess associations, and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Result
Among the 424 respondents, 91.7% (n = 389) were aged 18–29 years, with 48.6% (n = 206) females and 51.4% (n = 216) males; most had college/university education (92.0%, n = 390). The majority were undergraduate health students (90.1%, n = 382), followed by security personnel (6.6%, n = 28) and cleaning workers (3.3%, n = 14). Most respondents had heard of zoonosis (91.5%, n = 388), recognized animal-to-human disease transmission (96.2%, n = 408), identified viruses (32.1%, n = 136) and believed that dogs pose community risks (82.3%, n = 349) and are sources of parasitic infections (84.9%, n = 360).
Conclusion
The most participants demonstrated good awareness and positive attitudes toward dog-associated zoonotic diseases. However, gaps in knowledge among some respondents highlight the need for targeted education to promote safer human–animal interactions.