scholarly journals Knowledge and Attitude of the Local Community Towards Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Rural Endemic Areas in Southwestern Yemen

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talal H Alhrazi ◽  
Najoua Haouas ◽  
Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi

Abstract BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a historically neglected tropical disease, represents a significant public health problem in many endemic countries including Yemen. The ongoing armed conflict that started in March 2015 has had a negative impact on the entire healthcare system including infectious disease control programmes. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards CL among endemic communities in southwestern Yemen. MethodsFive hundred households in five areas of Shar’ab district of Taiz governorate were randomly selected to participate in a quantitative survey. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the participants’ sociodemographic background and their knowledge and attitude towards CL and the sand fly vector.ResultsThe analysis was conducted on a final sample of 466 individuals. Although the participants were aware of CL, about three quarters (77.7%) of them had poor overall knowledge about disease transmission, clinical presentation, treatment and prevention. Interestingly, about half of the participants (49.1%) were able to differentiate sand flies from other flies and mosquitoes; however, only 14.8% of the participants knew about the role of the phlebotomine sand fly in the transmission of CL. Similarly, the participants had poor overall knowledge about sand fly breeding sites, biting time and control measures. Although 44% of the participants considered CL to be more dangerous than malaria, only 36.6% believed that CL can be prevented and 76.4% had a negative attitude towards the disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age and gender were the significant determinants of knowledge about CL and the sand fly vector among the studied population.Conclusion A poor level of knowledge about the different epidemiological aspects of CL was found among the rural population in Taiz. This factor, together with the major collapse of the healthcare infrastructure and the paralysis of health authorities since the beginning of the ongoing civil war in Yemen, may be contributing to the continued endemicity of CL in the area. Hence, health education on CL transmission and prevention should be provided to the targeted communities.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Talal H. Alharazi ◽  
Najoua Haouas ◽  
Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi

Abstract Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected tropical disease, represents a significant public health problem in many endemic countries including Yemen. The ongoing armed conflict that started in March 2015 has had a negative impact on the entire healthcare system as well as on infectious disease control programmes. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude towards CL among rural endemic communities in southwestern Yemen. Methods Five hundred households in five areas of Shara’b district of Taiz governorate were randomly selected to participate in a quantitative survey. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, their knowledge and attitude towards CL and their knowledge on the sand fly vector. Results The analysis was conducted on a final sample of 466 individuals (62.7% males and 37.3% females) aged between 18 and 70 years. Among the participants, 21.5% were non-educated while 39.7 and 20.8% had completed secondary school and tertiary education, respectively. Although the participants were aware of CL, about three quarters (77.7%) of them had poor overall knowledge about disease transmission, clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention. Interestingly, approximately half of the participants (49.1%) were able to differentiate sand flies from other flies and mosquitoes. However, only 14.8% of the participants knew about the role of the phlebotomine sand fly in the transmission of CL. Only 36.6% believed that CL can be prevented and 49.6% had a negative attitude towards the disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age and gender were the significant determinants of knowledge about CL and the sand fly vector among the studied population. Conclusion A poor level of knowledge about the different epidemiological aspects of CL was found among rural CL-endemic communities in Taiz. This factor, together with the major collapse of the healthcare infrastructure due to the ongoing civil war in Yemen, may be contributing to the continued endemicity of CL in the governorate. It is therefore recommended that health education on CL transmission and prevention should be provided to the targeted communities.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-76
Author(s):  
Asaf Khan ◽  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
. Rafiullah

Hepatitis-B is a communicable disease and globally a public health problem with a complicated pathology of liver, which disturbs the normal function of the liver caused by Hepatitis-B virus known as HBV.  This study aims to determine knowledge and attitude regarding Hepatitis-B prevention among people of Lahore community, Pakistan. Cross-sectional survey technique was used in current study. The self-administered questionnaire distributed to the 200 participants through convenient random sampling. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data using SPSS (statistical package for social science studies) version 21.The findings of the current study showed, poor knowledge and negative attitude of the participants toward prevention and treatment of Hepatitis-B in the community of Lahore, Pakistan. Moreover they were preferred home remedies, complementary therapies and spiritual healers as compared to medical treatment.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 4, Issue-1: 68-76


Author(s):  
Karima El-Mouhdi ◽  
Abdelkader Chahlaoui ◽  
Samia Boussaa ◽  
Mohammed Fekhaoui

Sand flies are insect vectors of several diseases including leishmaniases. These vector-borne diseases represent a public health problem in several countries around the world, including Morocco. The objective of this study was to assess simultaneously the knowledge of health professionals and inhabitants on sand flies; a cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2019 among 424 people, 34% of whom were health professionals and 66% of whom were inhabitants of the province of El Hajeb in central Morocco; 46.3% of doctors, 50.7% of nurses, 66.7% of midwives and 69.4% of inhabitants showed a low knowledge of sand flies. Most participants believed that sand flies breed in stagnant and polluted waters. Negative attitudes were found among 72.2% of the inhabitants. Factors associated with a high level of knowledge included continuing education among health professionals and information on vector-borne diseases among residents. The conceptual and cognitive gaps in the knowledge of sand flies reflect the lack of information and training on sand flies. The results of the sand fly knowledge review can be integrated into the national leishmaniases control program and the integrated vector management strategy to raise public awareness on the health risks of sand flies.


2022 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Khan ◽  
I. Khan ◽  
H. Ullah ◽  
S. N. M. Zain ◽  
W. A. Panhwar ◽  
...  

Abstract Malakand region is an endemic area for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). However, there are limited number of studies of this disease in Pakistan. Therefore, a study was conducted to understand the level of awareness attitude and practice among the residents of Makaland towards CL and the disease vectors. This study adopted a cross-sectional approach with a total of 400 respondents (n=93 rural and n= 307 urban). Overall, the population in Malakand region (61.2%) were well-informed in the role of sand fly in transmitting diseases, but most lack knowledge on the vector’s behavior and almost a quarter (24.5%) were unable to provide knowledge on proper control measures. Alarmingly, the practice and attitudes of the general population was not satisfactory as close to half (49.8%) of the population did adopt any control method. This study calls for increase in awareness through health education campaign to reduce the risk of cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreaks in the future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 235
Author(s):  
Dian Sari

<p><em>Pulmonary Tuberculosis is one of the infectious diseases that become the main problem of Indonesian society. Based on a survey conducted at Andalas Public Health Centre obtained PMO (supervisor taking medicine) TB Lungless provide support to the patient of Pulmonary TB.. This study aims to determine the relationship of knowledge and attitude with the support of family as the PMO of Pulmonary TB patients. The study was conducted at the Andalas Public Health Centre Padang in 2017. The type of descriptive analytic research using a cross-sectional approach with a sample of 59 people taken from a population of 145 people PMO using simple random sampling systematic techniques. The results showed that 27.1% of PMO was not good at providing support, 32.2% knowledge was low, and 37.3% had a negative attitude. Chi-square test concluded that there is a significant correlation between knowledge (p = 0,036), and attitude (p = 0,000), with family support as PMO in Public health centre working area Andalas Padang of the year 2017. The result of this research can be used as a reference in improving TB program Lung so it can reduce the incidence of Pulmonary TB in Public health centre working area Andalas Padang.</em><em></em></p><p> </p><p><em>Tuberkulosis Paru merupakan salah satu penyakit menular yang menjadi masalah utama masyarakat Indonesia. Berdasarkan survei yang dilakukan di Puskesmas Andalas Kota Padang didapatkan sebahagian PMO (pengawas minum obat) TB Paru kurang memberikan dukungan kepada penderita TB Paru. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan pengetahuan dan sikap dengan dukungan keluarga sebagai PMO penderita TB Paru.Penelitian dilakukan di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Andalas Padang Tahun 2017. Jenis penelitian deskriptif analitik dengan menggunakan pendekatan cross sectionaldengan sampel sebanyak 59 orang yang diambil dari populasi 145 orang PMO menggunakan teknik sistematik simple random sampling. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan 27,1% PMO kurang baik dalam memberikan dukungan, 32,2% pengetahuan rendah, dan 37,3% mempunyai sikap negatif. Uji chi-square disimpulkan bahwa terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara pengetahuan (p= 0,036), dan sikap (p=0,000), dengan dukungan keluarga sebagai PMO di Wilayah kerja Puskesmas Andalas Padang Tahun 2017. Hasil penelitian ini dapat dijadikan referensi dalam meningkatkan program TB Paru sehingga dapat menurunkan angka kejadian TB Paru di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Andalas Padang</em></p>


Author(s):  
Eric Emerson ◽  
Allison Milner ◽  
Zoe Aitken ◽  
Lauren Krnjacki ◽  
Cathy Vaughan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Exposure to discrimination can have a negative impact on health. There is little robust evidence on the prevalence of exposure of people with disabilities to discrimination, the sources and nature of discrimination they face, and the personal and contextual factors associated with increased risk of exposure. Methods Secondary analysis of de-identified cross-sectional data from the three waves of the UK’s ‘Life Opportunities Survey’. Results In the UK (i) adults with disabilities were over three times more likely than their peers to be exposed to discrimination, (ii) the two most common sources of discrimination were strangers in the street and health staff and (iii) discrimination was more likely to be reported by participants who were younger, more highly educated, who were unemployed or economically inactive, who reported financial stress or material hardship and who had impairments associated with hearing, memory/speaking, dexterity, behavioural/mental health, intellectual/learning difficulties and breathing. Conclusions Discrimination faced by people with disabilities is an under-recognised public health problem that is likely to contribute to disability-based health inequities. Public health policy, research and practice needs to concentrate efforts on developing programs that reduce discrimination experienced by people with disabilities.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Animen Ayehu ◽  
Yibeltal Aschale ◽  
Wossenseged Lemma ◽  
Animut Alebel ◽  
Ligabaw Worku ◽  
...  

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in sesame and sorghum growing areas. Compared to other populations, labor migrants are the most exposed. Knowing the seroprevalence ofLeishmania donovaniand associated risk factors is essential to design appropriate control measures. The main aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers and associated risk factors in agricultural camps of West Armachiho district, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the seroprevalence and associated risk factors ofL. donovaniinfection.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 laborers from October to December 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from selected agricultural camps. After obtaining written informed consent, data were collected using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire using the interview technique. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using the rk39 kit. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated withL. donovaniinfection.Result. Among 185 participants examined using rk39, 14 (7.6%) were seroreactive forL. donovani.Leishmania donovaniinfection had a statistically significant association with sleeping underBalanitestrees (AOR: 4.36, 95%CI: 1.186-16.06), presence of domestic animals near sleeping place (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.25-17.56), and lack of knowledge about VL transmission (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.07-13.47).Conclusion. Seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers in agricultural camps of West Armachiho was low. Prevention measures and health education about risk factors that expose toL. donovaniinfection for the laborers are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.


Parasitology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 142 (9) ◽  
pp. 1202-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOSÉ E. CALZADA ◽  
AZAEL SALDAÑA ◽  
KADIR GONZÁLEZ ◽  
CHYSTRIE RIGG ◽  
VANESSA PINEDA ◽  
...  

SUMMARYAmerican cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a complex disease with a rich diversity of animal host species. This diversity imposes a challenge, since understanding ACL transmission requires the adequate identification of reservoir hosts, those species able to be a source of additional infections. In this study we present results from an ACL cross-sectional serological survey of 51 dogs (Canis familiaris), where we used diagnostic tests that measure dog's exposure toLeishmaniaspp. parasites. We did our research in Panamá, at a village that has undergone significant ecosystem level transformations. We found an ACL seroprevalence of 47% among dogs, and their exposure was positively associated with dog age and abundance of sand fly vectors in the houses of dog owners. Using mathematical models, which were fitted to data on the proportion of positive tests as function of dog age, we estimated a basic reproductive number (R0±s.e.) of 1·22 ± 0·09 that indicates the disease is endemically established in the dogs. Nevertheless, this information by itself is insufficient to incriminate dogs as ACL reservoirs, given the inability to find parasites (or their DNA) in seropositive dogs and previously reported failures to experimentally infect vectors feeding on dogs with ACL parasites.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
Chintha Sujatha ◽  
Reshma Rajan Sudha ◽  
Sreejith Lalitha Krishnankutty ◽  
Prajitha Kannamkottapilly Chandrasekharan

BACKGROUND Dengue fever is a major public health problem in Kerala. Vector control measures practiced at household level is the most cost-effective way of controlling dengue. This study aims to assess environmental measures of vector control practised among households of suspected or confirmed dengue patients in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. METHODS A cross sectional study was done among households of patients diagnosed with dengue fever and reported in Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) in Thiruvananthapuram district from June to December 2018. Investigators interviewed the household members and made direct observations to collect data on vector control practices using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 108 houses were surveyed. Potential breeding habitats were found in 58 (53.7 %) houses. Aedes larva was found in containers from four (3.7 %) houses. Dry day observance was not regular with only 5 (4.6 %) houses practicing it weekly. Waste management practiced was proper in 47 (43.5 %) houses. Community level pre monsoon preparedness for epidemics was done in the vicinity of 53 (49.1 %) houses and it was found to be a protective factor against presence of breeding habitats in and around houses (p = 0.013). Low education (p = 0.012) and low occupational status (p = 0.017) were found to be significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Even during an epidemic, with occurrence of infections in the family, only half of the households are practising adequate vector control methods. Community level interventions and targeted information education campaign will help improve practice of environmental methods of vector control in dengue. KEYWORDS Dengue, Vector Control, Aedes Control, Environmental Methods, Community Interventions


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Shamsu-Deen Mahama Adams ◽  
Shokoh Varaei ◽  
Fatemeh Jalalinia

Background. Pain management is a very important aspect of nursing care among postoperative patients. Deficit in the knowledge and bad attitude towards pain management among nurses remain a problem in Ghana. In order to manage pain better in the surgical wards, nurses should be well equipped with knowledge of pain assessment and management. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to determine nurse’s knowledge and attitude towards pain management among postoperative patients in surgical units in Ghana. Methodology. This study used the quantitative study approach with a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A sample of 211 nurses was recruited using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire regarding postoperative pain management. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the chi-squared test were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 16.0. Results. The mean age of the nurses was 29.77, with the youngest nurse being 23 years and oldest being 39 years. Majority (72.5%) of nurses had moderate knowledge, and 89.6% of the nurses had negative attitude towards pain management. There was no significant relationship between nurse’s knowledge and years of experience as a nurse (r = −0.03, p=0.64), as well as no significant relationship between knowledge and number of years working in the surgical ward (r = 0.06, p=0.36). Also, there was no significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge and nurses’ attitude (r = 0.06, p=0.36). Conclusion and recommendation. The level of knowledge and attitude towards postoperative management were generally inadequate among nurses. Therefore, there is the need to implement in-service training on pain management for nurses working in the surgical units frequently.


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