A One Health assessment of human–animal interactions, environmental practices, and zoonotic disease knowledge in Bomaa, Ghana

Background and aim A One Health–focused Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) identifies animal and environmental risk factors affecting human health. This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the health needs of Bomaa, a rural town in Ghana, using a One Health approach. Methods A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling recruited 271 residents. A structured questionnaire collected sociodemographic data, pet ownership, farming and waste disposal practices, and knowledge of zoonotic disease transmission. Knowledge level was categorized as poor, fair, or good. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 (Chicago, IL, USA) with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results Most participants (75.6%) were aged 18–59 years. Pet ownership was reported by 57.6% of participants, with dogs (86.5%) and cats (75.0%) being the most common. Livestock farming was practiced by 31.0% of participants, with poultry (39.1%) and goats (25.8%) being the most frequently reared. Open defecation (22.1%) and environmental disposal of excreta (43.9%) were prevalent. Non- livestock farmers had higher odds of poor knowledge (Firth-adjusted OR 4.24; 95% CI: 1.08–16.66; p = 0.04). Conclusion Significant human–animal contact and unsafe waste practices highlight the need for One Health–focused CHNAs to mitigate environmental contamination and disease transmission.