Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of One Health among multisectoral stakeholders in Kano state, Northwest Nigeria

A substantial proportion of human infectious diseases originate from animals (zoonoses), with environmental factors significantly contributing to their transmission. This underscores the need for the One Health (OH) approach as a comprehensive, integrated framework to address these challenges. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the OH concept among multisectoral stakeholders in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey that utilized a two stage sampling technique was conducted among 359 stakeholders from the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, and Health at both state and Local Government Area (LGA) levels. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 22. A p-value set at ≤ 0.05. Most stakeholders demonstrated above-average knowledge (87.7%), attitudes (80.2%), and practices (77.4%) concerning OH. Stakeholders from LGAs where a multisectoral Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee (EPRC) was known to be present had significantly higher odds of possessing above-average knowledge of OH (adjusted odds ratio = 137; 95% confidence interval = 9.3–2045). Stakeholders who had received prior training on OH were more likely to exhibit above-average attitudes toward the OH approach (adjusted odds ratio = 3.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.0–12.9). Furthermore, those who indicated the existence of a functional disease reporting system to higher authorities were 17 times more likely to practice OH, compared to those uncertain about the availability of such a system (adjusted odds ratio = 17.1; 95% confidence interval = 1.5–198.6). The study showed that stakeholders demonstrated relatively high levels of knowledge, favorable attitudes, and appropriate practices regarding the OH approach. Knowledge of OH was found to have a positive correlation with both attitudes and practices. Key factors contributing to these outcomes included prior training in OH and active participation in multisectoral collaboration. To strengthen and sustain the implementation of the OH approach in the region, we recommend reinforcing government-led coordination and cross-sectoral collaboration.