Abstract
Introduction
Zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans, pose significant public health risks, especially in Southeast Asia and Cambodia, due to high biodiversity and human‒animal interactions. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding zoonotic pathogen transmission from wildlife during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among 503 participants aged ≥ 18 years in Stung Treng and Mondolkiri provinces, Cambodia. Using cluster sampling, participants were interviewed with a tablet-based, standardized questionnaire on wildlife consumption and zoonotic risk. Descriptive analysis summarized the sociodemographic data, and chi-square tests were used to assess potential associations between independent factors and KAP levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with forward and backward stepwise approaches was used. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Overall, 62.0% were female, 68.0% were aged 25--54 years, 89.2% were married, and 74.6% were farmers. KAP levels were suboptimal: only 42.7% demonstrated good knowledge, 46.5% had positive attitudes, and 54.9% reported safe behaviors. Several key predictors are independently associated with high KAP. The predictors of better knowledge included primary/secondary education (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.35-3.56) and higher education (AOR = 9.38, 95% CI = 4.15-21.22), and the Khmer ethnic group (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.02-2.65). The predictors of positive attitudes included being younger than 24-54 years of age, having a higher income ($100-299 USD) with AOR=1.68 (95% CI=1.12-2.52), being in the Khmer ethnic group (AOR=2.19, 95% CI=1.37-3.49), and having better knowledge (AOR=2.23, 95% CI=1.53-3.25). Safe practices were associated with being female (AOR=1.79, 95% CI=1.21-2.65), having a Khmer ethnicity (AOR=1.92, 95% CI=1.23-2.99) and having positive attitudes (AOR=2.27, 95% CI=1.56-3.32).
Conclusion
This study revealed a low level of knowledge and attitudes but a moderate level of practices (P) regarding zoonotic diseases in rural Cambodia, which are influenced by education, ethnicity, and income. Public health campaigns should focus on wildlife-transmitted zoonoses, wild meat consumption, and safe animal handling, which are culturally tailored interventions. Enhancing access to health information in rural areas, particularly for the most vulnerable communities, is essential. Future research should assess the long-term impact of public health interventions and explore cultural factors to improve awareness and prevention.