Exploring High-Risk Behavioral Factors Associated with Zoonotic Diseases: Perspectives from Urban and Rural Communities of Moshi, North-Eastern Tanzania

Zoonotic diseases are a major global public health concern, especially in regions with frequent human-animal interactions. This study investigated high-risk behavioral factors that increase disease transmission from animals to humans in rural and urban settings in Moshi Districts.  A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 741 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In urban areas, 39.6% (n=130) of respondents had good knowledge about zoonotic diseases, whereas in rural areas, 60.4% (n=198) of respondents demonstrated good knowledge. Attitude varied significantly, with 56.5% (n=170) of urban respondents having a negative attitude compared to 43.5% (n=131) of rural respondents. Sixty-seven percent (n=127) of urban participants reported good practices related to animal handling and hygiene, whereas 33.2% (n=63) of rural participants reported good practices. Participants aged 17-34 years were more likely to have good knowledge compared to others (OR=1.72; 95% CI: 1.66-2.54, p<0.05). Individual who kept livestock were more likely to have a positive attitude towards zoonotic diseases prevention and animal handling (OR=2.01; 95% CI: 1.24-3.26). These findings reveal significant disparities in knowledge, attitude, and practices related to zoonotic diseases between urban and rural communities, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce transmission risks. Key words: Attitude, knowledge, behavior, zoonotic diseases, Tanzania.