Knowledge and awareness of leptospirosis among rural communities in northern Iran

Leptospirosis is a preventable zoonotic disease, and raising public awareness is essential to reduce its incidence and associated complications. This study assessed the level of knowledge about leptospirosis among villagers in Guilan Province, an area endemic for this disease. In this cross-sectional study, 322 residents of rural areas in Guilan Province were selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic and clinical information, along with items evaluating participants’ knowledge of leptospirosis across multiple domains. About 207 (64.3%) were male. The mean total knowledge score was 10.96 (SD = 5.11), which was significantly below the expected average level (P < 0.001, t(321) = 3.64). Participants demonstrated significantly lower knowledge in the domains of epidemiology (P = 0.004, t(321) = 2.90), routes of transmission (P = 0.037, t(321) = 2.10), and treatment and prevention (P < 0.001, t(321) = 4.50). However, their knowledge of symptoms and clinical manifestations did not differ significantly from the average (P = 0.589, t(321) = 0.54). The findings indicate insufficient knowledge about leptospirosis among villagers in Guilan Province, particularly regarding its prevention and control. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to enhance community awareness and reduce the risk of infection in this high-risk population