Human and environmental risk factors of leptospirosis in Gunungkidul, Indonesia: a case-control study

Abstract

Background: Leptospirosis is a bacterial, zoonotic disease associated with environmental factors and human behavior related to occupation. This research aimed to investigate the association between human behavior and leptospirosis. Case mapping and topographical mapping were done for a comprehensive visualization.Methods: A matched case-control study design was conducted in Gunungkidul, Indonesia, from December 2017 to January 2018. Cases were selected from those reported as suspicious of leptospirosis by the Gunungkidul District Health Office during 2017 and controls were matched according to sex and age. Chi-squared, Fisher exact test, and Odds ratios were employed to find out the association between exposure and outcome for a significance level of 0.05. Quantum GIS-Web Map-Stamen terrain was used to overlay case and landscape.Results: Bivariate analysis showed that four exposure variables that enhanced the risk for leptospirosis though not significantly associated were history of injuries, habit of taking a bath or wash the clothes in the river, not using personal protection during work and presence of an animal fence surrounding the house. Most of the leptospirosis cases (>70%) resided in a hilly area. This finding assists in developing prevention strategies concerning leptospirosis infection.Conclusions: Human behaviour is vital in leptospirosis prevention. Accordingly, this study can broaden the understanding horizon, particularly for a decision-maker where and how to implement the Leptospirosis prevention program. Prevention should address the current situation in the field and based on population and local wisdom to result in the successful implementation.

Factors affecting preventive behavior against leptospirosis among the population at risk in Si Sa Ket, Thailand

“…From the preliminary investigation reports and in-depth interviews, these behaviors are also risky behavior and not still resolved at this point of time. This is consistent with a previous study was reported that the habit of taking a bath or washing the clothes in the river, not using personal protection during work were associated the risk of leptospirosis [ 18 ]. Bathing in natural bodies of water was significantly associated with an increased risk of severe leptospirosis [ 19 ].…”

Characteristics, Behavior, and Environmental Conditions Residence of Leptospirosis Patients in the District of Probolinggo

“…Based on the behavior of Leptospirosis sufferers in table 3, no one uses gloves when in contact with water puddles after rain (0%). Research in Gunungkidul states most of the participants had a similar habit of not using personal protection during work (19). In the research of Nursitasari (2019), it is known that there is a significant relationship between the variable contact with stagnant water on the incidence of leptospirosis in Ponorogo Regency.…”