Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Tigray, North Ethiopia: The Communities’ Awareness, Perceptions, Treatment‑Seeking and Prevention Practices in Disease Endemic Areas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56147/jidpc.3.1.32Keywords:
- Cutaneous Leishmaniasis,
- Knowledge,
- Attitudes and practice,
- Tigray,
- Ethiopia,
- Disease awareness
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is highly prevalent in Ethiopia, including the Tigray region. However, there is a dearth of information on the levels of knowledge, attitude and health seeking behavior among the communities in CL-endemic areas of Tigray region, northern Ethiopia.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate CL-related knowledge, attitude, treatment‑seeking and prevention practices in disease-endemic areas of Tigray.
Methods: Between November and December 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among communities living in seven districts of Tigray. Data were collected using mixed sampling method and a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 25 (IBM, Chicago).
Results: A total of 512 participants were included. Overall, 43%, 36% and 34% of participants had a ‘good’ level of knowledge, a ‘favorable’ attitude and a good treatment-seeking and prevention practices towards CL, respectively. However, very few knew about CL transmission, about 25% perceived CL to be genetically acquired and about 67% believed it to be stigmatizing. Traditional medication was the preferred option over modern treatment for 63.3%. Rural residents (AOR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.00-2.57) and participants living in households with CL episode (AOR=10.19; 95% CI: 6.36-16.30) had good knowledge. However, urban/ semi-urban residents (AOR=2.17; 95% CI: 1.42-3.31) had favorable attitude. Gender (AOR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.01-2.22) and education level (AOR=0.39; 95% CI: 0.24-0.62) were significantly associated with treatment-seeking and prevention practices. Participants living in households with CL episode (AOR=2.99; 95% CI: 1.96-4.57) had good treatment-seeking and prevention practices.
Conclusions: In this study, over one half of participants had poor knowledge about CL, nearly two-third of them had unfavorable attitude and two-third of them had poor treatment-seeking and prevention practices. Previous CL episode in households was a determinant for respondents’ knowledge, attitude, treatment-seeking and prevention practices. These findings support for health education focusing on CL transmission and preventive measures.
