Cutaneous Leishmaniasis A Neglected Tropical Disease: Community Knowledge, Attitude And Practices In An Endemic Area, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases in the Ethiopian highlands and studies on assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of the community in endemic areas are scanty. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude towards cutaneous leishmaniasis and treatment seeking practices in people living in the endemic highlands areas in the Northwest, Ethiopia and provide evidence-based information to guide development of appropriate interventions to reduce the impact of cutaneous leishmaniasis on communities. Methods Quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic districts (woredas) using a semi structured questionnaires. Households were randomly selected according to probability proportional to size of households in each enumeration area. Systematic random sampling of eligible households was based on the number of households recorded during listing of households. Descriptive statistics was used to describe numerical data, organise and summarise the data in a manner that gave meaning to the numerical form. Frequency tables were used to show descriptive analysis and regression analysis was used to determine correlation between variables. Results While the community knew about cutaneous leishmaniasis knowledge gaps on how the disease is transmitted prevented and prevention were found. Communities perceived cutaneous leishmaniasis a serious disease because of its impact on individuals and expressed positive experiential attitude towards traditional treatment because of easy accessibility. Participants expressed negative experiential attitude and perceived control towards modern treatment because of inaccessibility and distance from where modern treatment is provided. Conclusion Priority should be given to primary prevention and appropriate awareness campaigns on lesion recognition, prevention. Information on modern treatment should be intensified.