Introduction: The sustainable implementation of the One Health concept requires a new way of thinking that embraces holistic knowledge extending beyond narrowly defined professional competencies of those engaged in public health. The aim of this study is to present findings on the level of awareness of the One Health concept among two key professional groups in Bulgaria: human healthcare and veterinary medicine professionals.
Materials and methods: A survey of the level of One Health awareness was conducted among the two target groups, admin-istering the questionnaires in paper format. The study was carried out between March 2023 and September 2024 following ethical approval.
Results: The study included 228 respondents from the fields of human and veterinary medicine. A total of 168 healthcare pro-fessionals from different types of hospitals and 60 veterinary specialists from public and private institutions were surveyed. The sample was predominantly female (80.7%), with a mean age of 47 years, reflecting the actual professional structure of the sectors. The results demonstrate very low awareness of the One Health concept within human healthcare, regardless of the type of healthcare institution. Veterinary professionals showed higher levels of awareness; however, no evidence of substantial practical implementation was identified. Intersectoral communication exists primarily at a formal level, with minimal real participation in coordinated joint actions.
Conclusion: The study reveals low overall awareness of One Health in Bulgaria and highlights the need for systematic education to support effective intersectoral practice.
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