Preparedness for zoonotic disease prevention among university students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Objectives This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding zoonotic diseases among students from diverse educational institutions across Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire. Data were collected from 1,159 students representing diverse sociodemographic backgrounds. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, Spearman's correlation, multivariable logistic regression, confusion-matrix evaluation and Receiver Operating Characteristics curve were performed using Python-based analytical tools. Results The results showed that the overall awareness of zoonotic diseases was moderate. Significant variations in KAP were observed according to age, education level, academic discipline, and geographic division ( p < 0.05). Students aged 26–30 years, those with higher academic attainment, and university students demonstrated significantly higher KAP levels, whereas students aged 15–20 years and those enrolled in high schools or polytechnic institutions showed lower KAP levels. Health and biological science students exhibited significantly better knowledge and attitudes ( p < 0.05), while gender was not significantly associated with KAP ( p > 0.05). Positive correlations were observed among all KAP domains, with the strongest association between attitude and practice. Confusion-matrix analysis showed comparable predictive performance across practice (68.4%), knowledge (68.1%), and attitude (66.7%). Conclusions Targeted, discipline-specific, and region-focused educational interventions are needed to improve zoonotic disease awareness, strengthen preparedness, and support public health and One Health initiatives in Bangladesh.