HISTORY OF LEPTOSPIROSIS-LIKE SYMPTOMS AND BEHAVIORAL-ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES AMONG RESIDENTS OF HAT SAMRAN DISTRICT, TRANG PROVINCE

Abstract

Leptospirosis is of interest to public health stakeholders in Southern Thailand due to the occurrence of local outbreaks. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the history of leptospirosis-like symptoms among community residents and the distribution of behavioral and environmental exposures. The objective of this study is to describe the history of self-reported leptospirosis-like symptoms and the distribution of behavioral and environmental exposures to potential sources of leptospirosis among community members in Hat Samran District of Trang Province. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 301 adult residents of Hat Samran District. We selected our participants using convenience sampling. We collected data by face-to-face interview and rapid observation of the environment near the participant's household. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics. Most of our participants (n=301) were women with a mean age of 53 years. Fewer than 4% of the participants reported experiencing leptospirosis-like symptoms within the prior 12 months, although 11% reported mucosal contact with dirty water. Rat droppings were observed in just under 40% of all households. The findings of our study serve as potentially useful basic information for stakeholders. However, limitations from self-reporting of information and limited generalizability should be considered as caveats in the interpretation of the study findings.