FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN PERILAKU PENCEGAHAN PENYAKIT LEPTOSPIROSIS DI WILAYAH KERJA UPT PUSKESMAS BELAWAE KAB. SIDENRENG RAPPANG

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira, transmitted from animals to humans
through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain,
vomiting, and myalgia, and in severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure and death. This study aims to analyze
the relationship between knowledge, the presence of rice fields/standing water, the presence of rats, occupation,
and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with leptospirosis prevention behaviors among residents in
the working area of UPT Puskesmas Belawae. This quantitative research employs interviews and observation methods, with a sample drawn from the local community and settlements. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 with univariate and bivariate techniques, along with the chi-square test. The results show that 86.8% of respondents had insufficient knowledge about leptospirosis, 24.5% lived in areas with rice fields or standing water, 79.2% reported the presence of rats around their homes, 89.6% had high-risk occupations, and 94.3% did not use PPE. Only 20.8% of respondents engaged in leptospirosis prevention behaviors. Statistical analysis
revealed a significant relationship between knowledge of leptospirosis (P=0.003) and the use of PPE (P=0.007)
with preventive behavior. However, there was no significant relationship with the presence of rice fields/standing water (P=1.000), the presence of rats (P=0.210), and occupation type (P=0.147). This study suggests increased attention to environmental management, PPE usage, and personal hygiene to reduce the risk of leptospirosis