Anthroponotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices,
and Risk Factors among residents in endemic Communities in Kerman City
in the Southeast of Iran
Abstract
Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (A.C.L) is a vector-borne
protozoan disease transmitted to humans by the bite of blood-feeding
female phlebotomine sand flies. In this study, we aimed to assess and
compare the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards
A.C.L among residents in three endemic areas in the suburb of Kerman
city. This study also aimed to identify the risk factors associated with
the incidence of A.C.L in these endemic areas in the southeast of Iran.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March
2019 in three endemic areas in Kerman city; Allahabad, Shahrak Sanati,
and Sarasiab. Overall, a structured questionnaire was used for data
collection. A total of 195 residents who agreed to participate and
complete the questionnaire were enrolled in this survey. Also, in this
study, the risk factors for A.C.L in these areas were investigated, and
the data were recorded with a checklist. Collected data were analyzed by
using SPSS version 22. A total of 195 individuals responded to the
questionnaire in this study. Among the respondents, 41.5 % were males
and 58.5 % were females. Majority of the respondents (61%) claimed
they have heard about A.C.L and are familiar with this infectious
disease. Only 25%, 66.7% and 32% of the respondents had good
knowledge, attitudes and practices, respectively towards A.C.L. The main
risk factors for ACL identified in the study areas included construction
waste, presence of old and dilapidated houses, poor sanitary conditions,
refugee and immigration, and the presence of domestic animals in close
physical proximity to humans. In general, the participants in this
survey had a weak knowledge towards A.C.L. It is recommended that
educational programs be implemented in order to improve the level of
knowledge towards ACL among the residents in the endemic areas.