Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cystic echinococcosis among healthcare students and intern doctors in the west bank: a cross-sectional study

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus , is a neglected zoonotic disease endemic in parts of Palestine. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding CE among healthcare students and intern doctors in the West Bank and Jerusalem. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 1 to 30, 2025, among undergraduate healthcare students and intern doctors. A structured, validated questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics and CE-related KAP. Voluntary non-probability sampling was used, and sample size was calculated using an equation for an unlimited population. Cronbach’s alpha for attitude and practice scales was 0.78 for each. Associations were examined using chi-square tests, Cramer’s V, and ordinal logistic regression, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Among 648 participants, 60.3% were male and 69.0% were aged 23–26 years. Overall, 51.2% demonstrated good knowledge (≥ 12/15), 77.2% reported neutral attitudes (21–31/40), and 54.0% reported low-risk practices (≥ 40/50). Independent predictors of better knowledge included male gender (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37–0.74; P < 0.001), higher academic year (OR = 12.0, 95% CI: 1.8–84.1; P < 0.01), medical specialization (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2–6.5; P = 0.02), and prior teaching about CE (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 2.0–4.0; P < 0.001). Previous visits to endemic areas were associated with more positive attitudes (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–2.9; P = 0.01) but lower odds of low-risk practices (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36–0.80; P = 0.002). Healthcare students and intern doctors demonstrated variable knowledge, predominantly neutral attitudes, and substantial gaps in preventive practices regarding CE. The findings highlight a knowledge–practice gap and support targeted, field-specific educational interventions emphasizing practical prevention and behaviour change.