University of Luzon Graduate School Dagupan City THESIS ABSTRACT 1.

Title: DETERMINANTS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS IN BAYAMBANG, PANGASINAN: AN INPUT TO A COMMUNITY-BASED EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROGRAM 2. Researcher: JAMES C. BATHOLOMEW Email: bathyj2000@yahoo.com 3. Degree: 4. Institution: MASTER IN PUBLIC HEALTH UNIVERSITY OF LUZON, Perez Blvd., Dagupan City 5. Adviser: mm

6. Thesis Defended: 3rd TRIMESTER, FEBRUARY 2013 7. Special Areas where copies can be located: University of Luzon, Dagupan City Dagupan City Library Region 1 Medical Center Library 8. Background of the Study: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. In the prevention of leptospirosis, awareness on disease existence,

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University of Luzon Graduate School Dagupan City knowledge and health behaviors play a key role. Even though knowledge itself is not adequate in changing behaviors, knowledge and awareness make the platform for behavior change. It is important to study whether the public awareness programs are effective in improving the knowledge of people regarding this important disease. Leptospirosis is among the world's most common diseases transmitted to people from animals. In the Philippines, among the provinces noted for markedly increasing incidence rates and multiple outbreaks of leptospirosis cases is the province of

Pangasinan. Hence, this research study was so conceived to address salient issues. 9. Statement of the Problem: This study determined the epidemiological

determinants of leptospirosis. The study had focused on occurrence of epidemiological determinants of leptospiros, and leptospirosis prevention measures. Results of the study served as the groundwork in the creation and proposal of a community-based epidemiological program. Specifically, it answered the following questions: 1. What are the epidemiological determinants of leptospirosis in Bayambang, Pangasinan along the following aspects:

University of Luzon Graduate School Dagupan City a. Geographical/Physical, b. Economic, c. Educational, and d. Health Practoces? 2. What are the epidemiological interventions were given by health care providers, educators and local government officials for leptospirosis? 3. What are the problems encountered by leptospirosis cases and health care providers in Bayambang, Pangasinan? 4. What community-based preventive program can be proposed to minimize the leptospirosis cases in Bayambang,

Pangasinan?

10. Research Method Used: Descriptive Method 11. Summary of Findings: The study findings were as follows: 1. On geography/physical aspect as determinant of

leptospirosis, infestation of house with possible carrier animals and houses that are located in low level areas were rated high by respondents with mean of 4.00. On economic aspect, insufficient amount to buy gloves, footwear and other protective farm gears garnered the

University of Luzon Graduate School Dagupan City highest mean of 4.00 with descriptive rating of high. On education, lack of knowledge about leptospirosis, the problem on waste management and problem on animal care garnered highest mean of 3.00 with descriptive rating of slight. On health practices, indicators such as health clinics for medical check-up, improper treatment of wound and lack of provision for animal health care garnered highest mean of 4.00. 2. The intervention program related to garbage disposal garnered the highest mean of 3.00 with descriptive rating of moderately avails. 3. Problems related to funding, flood and waste disposal got the highest frequency. 12 Conclusion: With the above cited findings in this study, conclusions were drawn as follows: 1. Respondents believe that the possibility of being infected with leptospirosis is the result of presence of carrier animals inside their houses and their geographical location. The respondents income is not enough to buy farm protective gears. They are not wearing any protective covering against leptospirosis infection during farm

University of Luzon Graduate School Dagupan City activity. The respondents perceived that their concerns related to medical check-up, treatment of wound and animal health care contribute to problems on leptospirosis infection. 2. There is a lack of proper implementation on garbage segregation in the community folks is lacking. Problem on garbage could lead to spread of leptospirosis disease. However, educational campaign against leptospirosis is not enough to reduce leptospirosis cases. The community needs protective gears and veterinary services from concerned agencies. 3. The residence of affected respondents is situated in flood prone areas. Concerned government agencies do not have enough fund for leptospirosis-related activities.

13. Recommendations: Based on the above findings and cited conclusions of this study, the following recommendations were drafted.

1. Concerned local authorities shall have a try-out of the proposed community-based epidemiological program against leptospirosis.

University of Luzon Graduate School Dagupan City 2. Parallel studies to probe into other aspects of epidemiological determinants of leptospirosis and other concerns shall be explored