Browsing by Autor "Caroline Kuhn"

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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the risk of zoonotic diseases, wildlife trade, and wildlife consumption in Latin America: A One Health mixed-method study protocol
(2024) Caroline Kuhn; Luciana Pires; María Soledad Burrone; Carlos R. Vásquez‐Almazán; Katja Radon; María Teresa Solís-Soto
<title>Abstract</title> The emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases is a critical global challenge. Deforestation, land use changes, and urbanization have led to increased human-wildlife interactions, raising the likelihood of pathogen spillover. Wildlife trade, including handling and consumption, contributes significantly to this risk. This study aims to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards zoonotic disease risks, wildlife trade, and consumption among rural and urban populations in Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala and Brazil, including indigenous communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study included a quantitative KAP survey with 3600 interviewees, qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 key actors and 6 focus group discussions to develop targeted educational interventions within the communities. This study's mixed-methods design provides quantitative baseline information, as well as qualitative context and depth, allowing for comprehensive insights into KAP in the communities in Latin America. To address the complex interplay of human, animal, and environmental factors, the One Health approach is applied with a focus on international and interdisciplinary collaboration. The participatory approach promotes mutual ownership and sustainability of public health interventions.
Zoonotic Diseases and Wildlife in Latin America: A Necessity for Implementing the One Health Approach
(CAB International Publishing, 2025) María Teresa Solís-Soto; Caroline Kuhn; Denise Siqueira de Carvalho; Carlos R. Vásquez‐Almazán; María Soledad Burrone; C. E. Navia; M. Adler; Dennis Martin Mendez Heredia; F. Morales; Luciana Salini Abrahão Pires
Approximately 60% of all emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) events in humans are attributed to zoonotic origins, with most originating in wildlife, where wildlife trade and consumption represent significant risk factors. Latin America is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and faces considerable challenges in terms of wildlife preservation. Previous efforts to control wildlife trade and consumption practices worldwide have primarily focused on conservation, overlooking the health component when developing behavioral change programs. Similarly, some initiatives overlooked the needs and characteristics of local communities, making it necessary to consider a unifying and integrative approach such as the One Health approach. This study employed multicenter and mixed-methods approaches, including a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey, interviews with key actors, focus group discussions, and participatory community-based action. By identifying the main drivers in urban and rural communities across Latin America, we co-construct strategies tailored to the local context with the communities to educate, raise awareness of zoonotic risk and wildlife conservation practices, and ultimately change behavior within the population. The project involved interdisciplinary and participatory work between the project team, local authorities, and community representatives, with One Health approach. This collaboration enabled us to identify local issues that impact human, animal, and environmental health and implement actions aimed at reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases and promoting biodiversity conservation.