High Incidence Rate of Leptospirosis Among Barangay San Alfonso’s Population Related To

High Presence of Breeding/Resting Sites Of Vectors of Disease, Inadequate Sanitation

Practices & Improper Waste Disposal

PHASE I: RESEARCH DESIGN

Initiating A Study: Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by various strains of the Leptospira
bacteria, poses a significant public health concern globally. The bacteria are commonly transmitted
through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly
rodents. The incidence of leptospirosis is often linked to environmental conditions, including flooding
and poor sanitation. Given its zoonotic nature and association with water-related activities,
occupational exposure, and natural disasters, leptospirosis affects both rural and urban communities.
The challenge lies in its underdiagnosis and the potential for outbreaks in vulnerable populations.
Timely recognition, effective surveillance, and public health measures are crucial in addressing this
infectious disease and mitigating its impact on communities worldwide.
In Barangay San Alfonso, there is a notable concern regarding the high incidence rate of
leptospirosis among its population which recorded 220 new cases out of 2,000 residents in 40
families. The community's socioeconomic status is characterized by a combination of agricultural
activities and limited industrial presence. Many residents rely on farming as a primary source of
income, engaging in the cultivation of crops and livestock. The geographical location of the barangay
places it in a vulnerable position, prone to seasonal flooding due to its proximity to rivers and low-
lying areas. This geographical setting, compounded by a tropical climate featuring heavy rainfall
during certain periods, creates conditions conducive to the transmission of waterborne diseases such
as leptospirosis. Moreover, inadequate sanitation practices contribute to water contamination,
amplifying the risk of leptospirosis transmission. The access to healthcare facilities is also limited, and
the community faces challenges in implementing preventive measures against waterborne diseases.
Research Focus and Frame: The research will primarily focus on understanding the multi-faceted
factors contributing to the high incidence rate of leptospirosis. The study aims to investigate the
interplay between environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural elements influencing the transmission
of Leptospira bacteria. Key areas of focus include identifying breeding sites of disease vectors,
evaluating water-related practices, assessing the community's awareness and preventive measures,
and exploring the impact of agricultural activities on disease transmission.
Participants: In the community of Barangay San Alfonso which is grappling with a high incidence
rate of leptospirosis, the participants crucial to the dynamics of the disease include a diverse array of
individuals. Primarily an agricultural community, the participants encompass farmers working in rice
paddies, laborers involved in construction, and households residing in close proximity to water
bodies. Given the predominantly young to middle-aged population engaging in these occupations, the
working-class community faces heightened exposure to environments conducive to leptospirosis
transmission. Additionally, children who may play near water sources are also vulnerable.
Ethics: In the face of health challenges like leptospirosis, ethical conduct involves promoting
awareness and education within the community, encouraging hygiene practices, and promptly
seeking medical attention for suspected cases. Additionally, there is a collective responsibility to
address environmental factors contributing to the disease such as proper waste disposal and
adequate sanitation practices to mitigate the proliferation of rodent vectors. Respecting cultural
values, promoting transparency, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources are crucial
ethical dimensions in fostering a united front against leptospirosis within this community.
Verification: The verification process involved multiple steps which include cross-referencing the
epidemiological data from local health authorities with medical records was done to confirm the
reported cases of leptospirosis. Field surveys were also conducted to verify environmental factors
such as the prevalence of water bodies and agricultural areas serving as potential breeding grounds
for leptospirosis vectors. Moreover, community interviews and focus group discussions were
conducted to corroborate qualitative insights with quantitative data. Through this meticulous
verification process, this aimed to establish the credibility of the findings, enhance the robustness of
the conclusions, and contribute reliable information to the understanding and management of
leptospirosis in this specific community.

PHASE II: DATA GATHERING

Capturing Stakeholder Experiences And Perspectives: In conducting data gathering in Barangay
San Alfonso with a high incidence rate of leptospirosis, a comprehensive approach involving both
quantitative and qualitative methods is essential. The combination of these methods provides a more
nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to the disease's prevalence. Here are the tools and
methods that can be utilized:
Quantitative Methods
Epidemiological Surveys: Design and administer surveys to collect quantitative data on the
prevalence of leptospirosis, demographic information, and potential risk factors among residents.
Medical Records Analysis: Access and analyze medical records from local healthcare facilities to
gather quantitative data on confirmed cases, severity, treatment outcomes, and any underlying health
conditions.
GIS Mapping: Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to visually represent the spatial
distribution of leptospirosis cases, overlaying data with environmental features, water bodies, and
potential breeding sites..
Qualitative Methods
Key Informant Interviews: Conduct interviews with key informants, including healthcare
professionals, local authorities, and community leaders, to gather qualitative insights into the
community's health dynamics, practices, and challenges.
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Organize FGDs with community members to explore their
knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding leptospirosis, water-related activities, and preventive
measures.
On-Site Environmental Assessments: Conduct on-site assessments to qualitatively evaluate
potential breeding sites for rodents, sanitation conditions, and the proximity of water bodies to
residential areas.
PHASE III: DATA ANALYSIS
Identifying Key Features of Experience: In the epidemiological surveys conducted in Barangay
San Alfonso, data revealed a higher-than-average incidence rate of leptospirosis among male adults
aged 20 to 40 who were engaged in agricultural activities. Surprisingly, a subset of the population
reported a lack of awareness about preventive measures, pointing towards a potential gap in health
education. Moreover, the analysis of medical records indicated a noticeable trend in the severity of
leptospirosis cases during the monsoon season with an increased number of hospital admissions in
June and July. The GIS mapping also illustrated a spatial clustering of leptospirosis cases in proximity
to the riverbanks and low-lying areas. These areas corresponded with identified hotspots for potential
rodent breeding sites. The mapping also highlighted vulnerable zones with inadequate healthcare
access, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in specific geographic locations.
Additionally, key informant interviews with local healthcare professionals and community leaders
unveiled challenges in healthcare infrastructure. Limited access to diagnostic facilities and delayed
response times were identified as barriers to effective leptospirosis management. Additionally, cultural
practices related to water activities played a role in disease transmission. In focus group discussions,
community members expressed concerns about the lack of protective measures during flooding
events. Some residents revealed misconceptions about the transmission of leptospirosis,
emphasizing the necessity of culturally tailored awareness campaigns. There was also a consensus
on the need for better sanitation practices. Meanwhile, the on-site environmental assessments
revealed that stagnant water in rice paddies and poorly managed waste disposal sites served as
potential breeding grounds for rodents. Additionally, inadequate drainage systems contributed to
water stagnation, exacerbating the risk of leptospirosis transmission. Residents' close proximity to
these environmental factors heightened exposure risks.

PHASE IV: COMMUNICATION

Writing Reports: Barangay San Alfonso has experienced a concerning surge in leptospirosis cases,
posing a formidable public health challenge. This report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the
incidence, risk factors, and potential interventions necessary to curb the spread of this waterborne
disease.
Reports & Presentations: The incidence of leptospirosis in Barangay San Alfonso has witnessed a
significant upswing, with a 40% increase in reported cases over the past year. Predominant age and
sex groups affected are male adults between 20 and 40 who were engaged in agricultural activities,
indicating a demographic vulnerability. The GIS mapping also reveals distinct hotspots along
riverbanks and low-lying areas, signaling spatial concentration. High-incidence areas coincide with
regions characterized by agricultural activities and proximity to water bodies. Moreover, the key
informant interviews underscored a cultural reluctance to use protective gear during agricultural
activities whereas the focus group discussions revealed a lack of awareness regarding preventive
measures and a gap in health literacy. Lastly, the on-site evaluations exposed environmental risk
factors including stagnant water near rice paddies and inadequate drainage systems. The agricultural
areas act as breeding grounds for rodents, the primary vectors transmitting Leptospira.
Furthermore, a pivotal aspect of strategy involves a robust collaboration with community leaders in
the quest to combat the high incidence of leptospirosis in the community. Recognizing their influential
role in shaping local dynamics, meaningful dialogues and partnerships with barangay captains,
council members, and influential figures have been engaged. Through roundtable discussions and
collaborative workshops, invaluable insights were gained about the community's social fabric, cultural
practices, and specific challenges related to leptospirosis. This collaboration has paved the way for
the seamless integration of preventive measures into local customs, ensuring that health initiatives
resonate with the community. The leaders have become advocates for health education, promoting
awareness campaigns and facilitating the implementation of environmental management strategies.
Working together enables us to forge a path toward a healthier and more resilient community, where
collective efforts underpin the shared commitment to mitigate the impact of leptospirosis.

PHASE V: ACTION
Situational Analysis: In Barangay San Alfonso, the high incidence rate of leptospirosis has raised
significant concerns, with 220 new cases identified among the 2,000 residents across 40 families,
representing a diverse age distribution. Epidemiological surveys uncovered a concentration of cases
among male adults aged 20 to 40 engaged in agricultural activities, signaling a potential occupational
risk. Disturbingly, a subset of the population displayed a lack of awareness about preventive
measures, indicating a gap in health education. Analysis of medical records revealed a notable surge
in leptospirosis severity during the monsoon season, particularly in June and July, with GIS mapping
highlighting spatial clustering near riverbanks and low-lying areas. These regions coincided with
identified hotspots for potential rodent breeding sites, emphasizing the necessity for targeted
interventions. Key informant interviews exposed challenges in healthcare infrastructure, including
limited diagnostic access and delayed response times, while focus group discussions underscored
the significance of cultural practices in disease transmission. Misconceptions about leptospirosis were
prevalent, demanding culturally tailored awareness campaigns. On-site environmental assessments
unveiled breeding grounds in rice paddies and poorly managed waste disposal sites, emphasizing the
urgent need for improved sanitation and drainage systems to curb exposure risks in vulnerable
zones.
Goals and Objective Settings:
The overarching goal for Barangay San Alfonso is to significantly reduce the incidence of
leptospirosis, fostering a healthier and resilient community. This involves implementing targeted
interventions that address the root causes of the disease and empower residents with knowledge and
resources for prevention.
 To increase community awareness about leptospirosis and its prevention.
 To reduce occupational risks among high-risk groups, particularly farmers.
 To enhance community preparedness during peak seasons.
 To upgrade sanitation, waste disposal, and drainage systems to minimize environmental risk.
Strategy/Activity Setting:
1. Raise Awareness and Health Literacy:
 Conduct health education campaigns, workshops, and awareness programs tailored to
different age groups. Distribute informational materials like pamphlets, posters, and brochures
in schools, public spaces, and through digital channels.

2. Occupational Risk Reduction:

  Implement training programs on safe agricultural practices, emphasizing the use of protective
gear like boots. Collaborate with local agricultural organizations in the community to promote
and provide these safety standards.

3. Seasonal Preparedness:
 Conduct drills and simulations to ensure that residents know how to respond to potential
outbreaks during the monsoon season.
 Conduct a tree-planting activity highlighting the participatory of the residents in the community
and local authorities to reduce flooding in the area.
 Sealing the entry points in homes such as gaps in walls, windows, and doors to prevent
rodents from entering and nesting inside structures.
 Promote responsible pet ownership and encourage the presence of domestic cats which are
natural hunters of rodents.

4. Sanitation, Waste Disposal, and Drainage Improvement:

 Organize regular community clean-up events to eliminate potential rodent habitats and
promote a sense of shared responsibility.
 Implement community-wide trapping programs using humane traps to capture and remove
rodents. If necessary, consult with pest control professionals to strategically apply rodenticides
in areas where rodents are prevalent.
 Collaborate with local authorities to ensure community-wide waste management practices and
improve drainage infrastructure including adequate waste segregation bins around the
community as these reduces potential food sources for rodents.