Abstract:
In Ethiopia, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a common infectious disease.
However, existing knowledge on prevalence, risk factors, community awareness
and circulating parasite species are scarce. The study aimed at producing evidence
to inform prevention strategies through epidemiological study using different
approaches. Objectives are to access knowledge, attitude, and practices about CL,
investigate risks related to transmission and determine prevalence of CL in Sodo
District. Primary quantitative method using a cross-sectional descriptive approach
was applied. Data were collected from interviews held with 423 households for the
KAP survey. In factor assessment and prevalence study, 379 households
harbouring 1356 individuals were interviewed along with clinical assessment.
In the KAP study, 263 (61.9%), 226 (53.4%), and 213 (50.4%) have satisfactory
knowledge, favourable attitude, and good practice about leishmaniasis. Majority are
unable to identify leishmaniasis and unaware of its cause and transmission,
respectively. Sandfly is considered "important biting and blood-sucking insect" by
210 (49.6%) but knowledge on biting time and breeding place was unsatisfactory.
Most believed CL can be treated, is a serious problem and have a disfiguring
outcome. However, most (59.3%, n=251) prefer use of traditional medication.
Concerning practice, 288 (68.1%) have bed nets but personal protective measures
are rarely used.
Risk factor assessment shows kebele, presence of screen on window/door, sensel
tree and cave/gorge, host factors (travel history, sleeping at home yard, irrigating at
night, spending time near cave/gorge, using personal protective measures and
sleeping hand/face covered), hyrax near home and dumping dung to be significant
factors affecting leishmaniasis.
Prevalence of leishmaniasis was 9.07% (123/1,356) for both scars (5.45%) and
active (3.61%) infection. Lesions were mainly located on face parts and LCL was
the most common form. The PCR test identified Leishmania aethiopica as principal
species.
The Sodo community will benefit from awareness creation programs cause,
transmission, and vector of leishmaniasis. Prevention programmes should prioritise
changes in host behavior such as putting a screen on window or door, use of
personal protective measures, irrigation at night, and sleeping covering hand and
face. CL is a challenging public health crisis in the district and due attention needs
to be given to it.
