Instilling Good Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among the Indigenous People of Malaysia Concerning Dog Associated Zoonotic Infections
Authors: Rashid Abdul , Fong Lau Seng , Abd Rani Puteri Azaziah Megat , Kader Maideen Siti Fatimah , Fatiha Shafie Intan Nur , Ahmad Nur Indah , Kamal Farina Mustaffa , Ajat Mokrish , Omar Sharina 
Published: July 2018

Background

The Jahai, a subethnic of the indigenous people of peninsular Malaysia, have commonly used dogs for hunting but have started to move away from traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, leaving dogs which were commonly used for hunting to wander around the villages and to multiply in numbers.

Objective

The objective of this study was to instil good knowledge, attitude and practices of the Jahai community concerning dog associated zoonotic infections using One Health concept.

Methods

This non-experimental pre and post-test intervention study was conducted among Jahai villagers aged 12 years and above living in a village located in the Belum forest in Malaysia. Interventions included health education and promotion using discussions, posters, slide presentations, comics and video clips with relevant content. In addition the children of the village were taught correct hand washing techniques and dog associated zoonotic infections.

Results

In general most aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice improved post intervention. The knowledge on risk of infections transmitted from pet dogs (X2=4.293, p= 0.038) and the practice of washing hands before eating (X2=14.984, p <0.001) improved significantly. The increase in the mean scores of the participants knowledge (t=−9.875, p=<0.001) and attitude (t= −4.100, p=<0.001) post intervention was statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study showed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team using One Health concept to successfully improve knowledge, attitude and practices related to dog associated infections. A sustained and committed health education and promotion interventions involving the community and school children in promoting heath should be custom made for indigenous communities, and sanitation and hygienic practices reinforced at every opportunity.

Author’s Summary

The indigenous people of peninsular Malaysia are a marginalized group; they are socio economically deprived and have low levels of education. One such group is the Jahai, who commonly used dogs for hunting, but have recently started to move away from traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, resulting in the dogs to multiply in numbers and roam as strays in the village. The community is now at risk of dog associated zoonotic infections. Studies have shown that health education and promotion can improve knowledge, attitude and practices of dog associated infections. However most of the studies were done among dog owners and in communities with fairly good education levels. A holistic approach using One Health concept was used to instil good knowledge, attitude and practices of the Jahai community concerning dog associated zoonotic infections. This non-experimental pre and post-test intervention study was conducted among Jahai villagers aged 12 years and above living in a village located in the Belum forest in Malaysia. The findings of this study showed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team using One Health concept to successfully improve knowledge, attitude and practices related to dog associated zoonotic infections.