Language Localization as a One Health Strategy for Leptospirosis Prevention in Flood-Prone Communities of the Philippines

¹ College of Education, Arts, and Sciences, National University, Philippines, City of Manila, 1008
² School of Arts and Sciences, National University, Philippines, Pasay City, 1300
³ Department of Biology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, 1006
⁴ Center for Health Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Technology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, 1006
⁵ College of Arts and Sciences, Biology Department, New Era University, New Era, Quezon City, 1107
⁶ Meycauayan National High School-Senior High School, Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines, 1770
⁷ Independent Researcher, Philippines

^* Corresponding author: clbanal@national-u.edu.ph

Abstract

Leptospirosis remains a recurrent public health concern in tropical inland water systems where flooding facilitates zoonotic transmission. Grounded in the One Health framework, this study localized the Leptospirosis Awareness, Warning, and Action (LAWA) Guidebook into Filipino to strengthen comprehension and community engagement among flood-prone populations. Using a participatory action research (PAR) design, a multidisciplinary team of linguists and biologists conducted three phases: linguistic simplification, cultural contextualization, and community validation. Readability assessments and focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with barangay health workers and local leaders in Calamba City, Laguna. Quantitative analysis using paired-sample t-tests revealed a significant increase in comprehension scores from 62% (SD = 11.4) using the English version to 89% (SD = 7.6) with the Filipino version (p < 0.001). Qualitative data further revealed an enhanced confidence and willingness among health workers to utilize the localized guidebook in health promotion activities. Results indicate that language localization enhances accessibility, promotes ecological awareness, and strengthens community-level responses to zoonotic risks. By integrating local environmental knowledge (LEK) and plain language communication, this initiative demonstrates how linguistic adaptation operationalizes One Health principles through inclusive, culturally grounded health communication. The study highlights language as a crucial component of environmental health literacy and as a sustainable approach to disease prevention and resilience in tropical flood-risk areas.