Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Health Professionals in Senegal Regarding the One Health Approach : A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The 'One Health' approach recognises the interdependence between human health, animal health, and ecosystem health. Implementing this approach requires institutional policies, a sound understanding of the concept among health professionals, and effective collaboration across sectors. Data on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of health professionals regarding this approach remain limited in Senegal. Objective: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices of healthcare professionals in Senegal regarding the “One Health” approach, as well as their views on intersectoral collaboration and implementation priorities. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in Senegal. Sociodemographic and professional characteristics, knowledge of the One Health concept and of interactions between human, animal, and environmental health, perceptions, attitudes towards intersectoral collaboration, knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), individual practices, and perceived priorities for implementing One Health were assessed. Data were analysed using counts, proportions, means, and standard deviations, and a knowledge score based on 23 items was calculated. Results: The mean age was 32.7 ± 5.6 years. Physicians accounted for 32.8% of participants, community health workers for 31.3%, nurses for 20.8%, and pharmacists for 13.9%. A total of 259 health professionals were included. The majority (78.0%) had already heard of One Health, and 76.8% defined the concept as an approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health. The mean knowledge score was 82.2 ± 10.5%, with a median of 82.6%. Most participants recognised interactions between the different components of One Health. Regarding AMR, 83.4% had already heard of the phenomenon, and 70.7% thought it concerned humans, animals, and the environment. The need for cross-sectoral collaboration was acknowledged, but 59.5% felt that current collaboration was either non-existent or weak. Simultaneous collaboration among the three sectors was considered necessary by 77.2% of participants. Conclusion: The healthcare professionals surveyed demonstrated a high level of declarative knowledge of the One Health concept and acknowledged the interdependence of human health, animal health, and the environment. However, perceptions of the current level of cross-sectoral collaboration revealed a gap between understanding the concept and implementing it in practice. Strengthening practical training, integrated surveillance, data sharing, and cross-sectoral collaboration should be prioritised.