Risk practices and awareness of leptospirosis amongst residents of Zaria, Nigeria

This study evaluated the level of risk practices and awareness of leptospirosis among residents of Zaria, Nigeria. A pre-tested questionnaires were administered via face-to-face interview to 100 residents. The data was analyzed using chi-square and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for leptospirosis. The demography showed that the majority of the respondents were male, aged 21-40 years, and majorly crop farmers. The risk factors identified showed that males were 4.14 times more likely to be affected by leptospirosis (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.93-5.37, p = 0.02) and the source of animal's water was 5.56 times more likely to be contaminated by Leptospira spp. (OR 4.14, 95% CI 2.88-8.03, p = 0.01) and these relationships were significant. The majority of respondents were not aware of the disease (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.22-4.57, p = 0.01) with 78% of the respondents not sure of which of the animal species leptospirosis affected (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.07-2.62, p = 0.02). This study has demonstrated the existence of risk behaviors, and paucity of knowledge about leptospirosis in the study area. It is therefore recommended to organize an enlightenment program and the need for protective clothing for individuals occupationally at risk of infection by Leptospira spp.