Risk Perception of Zoonoses for Outdoor Recreational Activities

Abstract

According to the United Nations World Health Organization data, as an animal-borne disease which occurs through direct contact between animals and humans or through the usage of food, water and environment, Zoonoses infects 2,5 billion individuals annually leading to the death of 2,7 million individuals. As the last pandemic originated from zoonoses, COVID-19 has caused the infection of 280 million of individuals from the first transmission of the disease to humans and death of 5,5 millions of individuals. Zoonoses can pose a risk particularly for individuals who participate in outdoor recreational activities, for health purposes. This study was carried out to measure the knowledge level of individuals about zoonosis, and the effect of the zoonosis risk perception on the participation to outdoor recreation. A survey was carried out by interviewing 474 adults in person who applied to the Family Health Centers near Mogan and Eymir Lake in the Gölbaşı district of Ankara, which are among the wetlands with high risk potential. Study findings report zoonosis is not perceived as a risk and does not create any reservations in participation in outdoor recreational activities despite the awareness of individuals.