Awareness, knowledge, and preventive practices of zoonotic diseases among Bangkok residents aged 15-60 years

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases, or zoonoses, are infectious diseases transmitted between animals and humans and pose significant public health challenges worldwide. Factors such as urbanization, global travel, and increased human–animal interactions have heightened the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Public awareness and preventive behaviors play a critical role in outbreak control and risk reduction. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and preventive behaviors related to zoonotic diseases among Bangkok residents aged 15–60 years and to identify factors predicting preventive behaviors. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,209 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, knowledge of zoonotic diseases, and preventive behaviors. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were employed to identify predictors of preventive behaviors. The results indicated that most participants demonstrated good knowledge of zoonotic diseases (75.19%) and high levels of preventive behaviors (92.31%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that knowledge was the strongest predictor of preventive behaviors (β=0.295,
p<0.05), followed by gender (β=0.126, p<0.05) and age (β=0.099, p<0.05). Nevertheless, gaps were observed
in specific preventive practices, particularly the use of insect repellents and protective equipment during high-risk activities. These findings have important implications for public health policy and intervention design. Although high levels of knowledge are associated with improved preventive behaviors, the identified behavioral gaps highlight the need for targeted interventions beyond general awareness campaigns. Policymakers and public health agencies should emphasize behavior change strategies, including tailored health education programs, digital health initiatives, and One Health collaborations between human and veterinary health sectors. Furthermore, integrating zoonotic disease education into school curricula and strengthening hygiene regulations in wet markets and animal trade industries are essential for reducing transmission risks. The study contributes to evidence-based policymaking and the development of sustainable public health strategies to mitigate zoonotic disease risks in urban settings. Future research should incorporate rural populations, mixed-methods approaches, and longitudinal designs to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of interventions.