Professional nurses' knowledge, attitudes and awareness of zoonotic diseases in selected Tshwane municipal clinics, Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Zoonotic diseases are an increasing global health concern, especially in resource-limited settings with frequent human–animal interaction. Professional nurses are essential in the early detection, management and prevention of primary healthcare. However, there is limited evidence on their knowledge, attitudes and awareness of these diseases in South Africa. AIM : This study aimed to assess professional nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and awareness of zoonotic diseases in selected Tshwane municipal clinics, Gauteng Province, South Africa. METHODS : An exploratory qualitative descriptive design was employed, guided by the One Health approach, involving semistructured interviews with 12 professional nurses purposively selected from four municipal clinics between 10 and 24 January 2025. Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework in NVivo. RESULTS : Six key themes emerged: (1) gaps in knowledge of zoonotic diseases among nurses, (2) health system constraints in zoonotic disease management, (3) perceived zoonotic risk within community practices and transmission dynamics, (4) nurses’ knowledge as a determinant of public health protection, (5) perceived occupational vulnerability to zoonoses and (6) nurses as key actors in zoonotic disease prevention and management. Findings revealed that although participants demonstrated basic awareness of zoonotic diseases, they lacked in-depth knowledge and confidence in recognising or managing such conditions. Limited training, inadequate intersectoral collaboration with veterinary professionals and resource constraints further hindered effective management. CONCLUSION : While professional nurses in Tshwane municipal clinics possess general awareness of zoonotic diseases, significant knowledge and practice gaps persist. Strengthening training programs, incorporating zoonotic disease content into nursing curricula and promoting intersectoral collaboration are essential to improve preparedness, surveillance and response to emerging zoonotic threats.