Knowledge Evaluation of the One Health Approach in Ecuadorian Veterinary Medicine Students 

Abstract

Currently, the understanding of the One Health Approach among veterinary medicine students in Ecuador is necessary to ensure human, animal, and environmental health. This study aimed to assess students’ knowledge of the One Health Approach and its relevance in their academic training, providing the first nationwide evaluation of this concept among veterinary students in Ecuador. An online cross-sectional study was conducted among veterinary medicine students from 19 Ecuadorian universities to evaluate their knowledge of the One Health Approach and their perception of its relevance in their professional training. It was found that the 56.07% (291/519) of students had satisfactory knowledge of the One Health Approach and that their perception was positive (>50%) towards its practical application in the veterinary area. Furthermore, there was a significant variation between knowledge of the concept and academic level (p<0.001), with a higher proportion being satisfactory among students from the sixth to the tenth cycle or semester. It is essential to improve education on the One Health Approach in the veterinary medicine curriculum in Ecuador to prepare future professionals to comprehensively address public, animal, and environmental health challenges. This improvement in training can contribute significantly to the promotion of public health and animal welfare in the country.