Assessing multi-dimensional knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) at the human-bat interface: A cross-cohort analysis

Abstract Preventing zoonotic spillover requires balancing human biosecurity compliance with wildlife conservation. Public health messaging has often relied on fear-based warnings, though its behavioural consequences for conservation attitudes remain underexplored, particularly in less ecologically knowledgeable populations. This study explores how socio-professional background and regional context shape bat-related ecological knowledge and downstream conservation behaviours within One Health framework. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 335 university-affiliated adults across four socio-professional cohorts (Health Professionals, Biology Students, Non-Biology Students and Non-Health Professionals) across 48 districts in Bangladesh. Six domains were assessed: knowledge (K), exposure (Exp), clinical practice (P), conservation attitude (A), disease awareness (DA), and risk perception (RP) following a KAP framework. Data were analysed using non-parametric testing, multivariable Poisson regression with geographic fixed effects, and multi-stage alluvial behavioural modelling. Non-Biology Students demonstrated a significant knowledge deficit compared to Health Professionals (IRR = 0.83, p = 0.04). Regional trends in Jamalpur (IRR = 0.48, p = 0.059) and Khulna (IRR = 0.57, p = 0.074) were non-significant but warrant further investigation. This effect was independent of age (IRR = 1.00, p = 0.877) and sex (IRR = 0.94, p = 0.35). Preventive clinical practices remained consistently high across all cohorts (Mean ≥ 4.00). Alluvial modelling showed low-knowledge strata more frequently combined heightened risk perception with hostile, pro-eradication attitudes; however, high-knowledge cohorts integrated zoonotic awareness with pro-conservation behaviours. These findings suggest ecological knowledge, rather than fear-based messaging alone, may be a key driver of conservation-positive attitude in this population. Planetary health strategies should consider tiered communication models that build baseline ecological knowledge, potentially complemented by exploratory place-based approaches, to safeguard biosecurity without undermining ecosystem stability.