Assessment of community risk perception on household rats (Rattus rattus) as a reservoir of pathogenic leptospira in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, North western Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines community perceptions of risk regarding household rats (Rattus rattus) as carriers of pathogenic Leptospira in the Sokoto metropolis of Northwestern Nigeria, an area facing rapid urbanization, poor sanitation, and widespread rodent infestation. Rodents are well-known reservoirs and vectors for numerous zoonotic diseases, including leptospirosis, a neglected yet significant tropical infection. Despite its public health importance, awareness and attitudes towards rodent-borne diseases in Sokoto remain insufficiently studied, hindering effective control measures. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were gathered from 212 residents across five local government areas of Sokoto metropolis. A structured, pre-validated questionnaire was employed to collect information on demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to rodents and rodent-borne diseases. The majority of respondents were male (86.8%), with a median age of 51 years; most households kept livestock and lived in modern houses. Overall, 67.9% of participants exhibited good knowledge about rodent-borne diseases, yet only 9.9% specifically linked rodents to Leptospira infections. Attitudes towards prevention were largely positive, as 98.6% supported protective actions such as proper food storage and rodent control measures. Statistical analysis showed significant associations between knowledge levels and sociodemographic factors including age, education, occupation, housing type, and sanitation facilities. Notably, higher education, especially secondary and tertiary levels was strongly associated with better knowledge (adjusted odds ratio for college/university education = 9.06, p < 0.001). There was also a strong positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.733, p < 0.01), suggesting that more informed individuals tend to adopt more proactive preventive behaviors. Despite broad awareness of general rodent-related health risks, knowledge specific to leptospirosis was limited, and some misconceptions remained. Respondents identified government health officials as the primary agents responsible for disseminating information about rodent-borne diseases, highlighting the vital role of official health communication. Rodenticide was the most commonly favored control method, followed by maintaining cats and using traps. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, culturally appropriate health education programs aimed at vulnerable populations. Promoting integrated One Health strategies will be critical to reducing leptospirosis and other rodent-associated infections in urban Nigerian settings. This study provides essential epidemiological and behavioral insights to inform public health interventions targeting zoonotic disease risks in rapidly urbanizing areas of Nigeria.