ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ON PREVENTION OF LEPTOSPIROSIS WITH THE USE OF DOXYCYCLINE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN PAMPANGA: BASIS FOR HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. This infection is managed by early detection and management through the available preventive measures. Although precautions are available, the drastic increase in cases has been noted globally and locally in recent years. Immediate action must be implemented promptly to address and eliminate the growing threat of Leptospirosis outbreaks and the increase in cases. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge among college students in Pampanga regarding the use of doxycycline as prophylaxis for leptospirosis prevention. A quantitative descriptive study with correlational and comparative components was utilized as a research design. A purposive sampling method was employed to recruit the 377 respondents aged 18 to 24 years old from college schools in Pampanga. Data were collected using a researchers’ made questionnaire, statistical analysis was conducted using measures of central tendency by the use of mean ± standard deviation. The t-test for independent samples and Pearson’s r correlation were applied to determine the difference in the level of knowledge when grouped in the context of demographic profile. Results indicated a generally low level of knowledge among college students regarding the use of doxycycline prophylaxis, emphasizing the need for targeted health education initiatives. In response, a health promotion program was created to improve public awareness of the effective utilization of doxycycline for preventing leptospirosis. This study highlights the critical need for educational interventions to improve disease prevention efforts and strengthen public health strategies in combating leptospirosis.