Educational Intervention Package to Increase Knowledge on Minimizing the Delays in Seeking Treatment of Leptospirosis in a District of Sri Lanka

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic infection and often neglected due to lack of knowledge.As an occupational disease, it has become a global concern due to its disease burden in endemic countries and rural areas.The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention for knowledge on minimizing the delays in seeking treatment of leptospirosis among farmers in Monaragala District, Sri Lanka.An interventional package was developed and delivered using SMS, postcards, announcements, and education through GPs, aiming to minimize delays related to the awareness in seeking treatment for leptospirosis.The effectiveness of the intervention was measured using an intervieweradministered questionnaire among 158 farmers.The pre and post-intervention assessment revealed that awareness in seeking treatment of leptospirosis had significantly improved two months after intervention (OR = 4.59; CI = 3.9-5.2).Therefore awareness programmes through SMS, postcards, announcements, and via GPs to reduce delayed health-seeking are recommended.