Knowledge and perceptions of physicians and veterinarians about One Health in Türkiye

Abstract

Background: One Health is a multisectoral and interdisciplinary concept that acknowledges the interconnections between people, animals and their shared environments. Understanding the views of physicians and veterinarians may help promote One Health principles. Aim: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of physicians and veterinarians about One Health in Türkiye. Methods: This was a descriptive mixed-methods study among 74 doctors and 221 veterinarians in Türkiye. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire sent by email to members of the Ankara Chambers of Medicine and the Ankara Chambers of Veterinary Medicine. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions with boards of directors of both chambers. Recordings were transcribed and the data were categorized in line with the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Few (6.3%) of the veterinarians had not heard about One Health while majority of the physicians (63.5%) had not heard about it (P < 0.001). Most of the physicians (95.9%) and veterinarians (71.5%) had not received training on One Health; significantly more veterinarians had received training (P < 0.001). Most of the veterinarians (73.3%) and a few physicians (35.1%) had applied One Health in their work (P < 0.001). Although participants mentioned other disciplines related to One Health, they had not been involved in any cooperative or collaborative work relating to these disciplines. Conclusion: The application of One Health principles by the physicians and veterinarians was limited, and few of them had collaborated with other disciplines during their practice. Joint training and further professional and educational integration are needed in Türkiye to support the implementation of One Health.