Abstract
BackgroundBuruli ulcer (BU) is a neglected tropical disease affecting the skin, tissues and in some cases the bones, caused by the environmental pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). Its mode of transmission is still elusive. Delayed treatment may cause irreversible disabilities with consequent social and economic impacts on the victim. Socio-cultural beliefs, practices and attitudes in endemic communities have been shown to influence timely treatment causing disease management, prevention and control a great challenge. An assessment of these factors in endemic localities is important in designing successful intervention strategies. Considering this, we assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding BU in three endemic localities in the South West region, Cameroon to highlight existing misconceptions that need to be addressed to enhance prompt treatment and facilitate effective prevention and control.Methods and FindingsA cross-sectional study was executed in three BU endemic health districts. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches we surveyed 320 randomly selected household heads, interviewed BU patients and conducted three focus group discussions (FGDs) to obtain information on awareness, beliefs, treatment, and attitudes towards victims. The influence of socio-demographic factors on these variables was investigated.ResultsRespondents (84.4%) had a good knowledge of BU though only 65% considered it a health problem while 49.4% believed it is contagious. Socio-demographic factors significantly (P<0.05) influenced awareness of BU, knowledge and practice on treatment and attitudes towards victims. Although the majority of respondents stated the hospital as the place for appropriate treatment, FGDs and some BU victims preferred witchdoctors/herbalists and prayers, and considered the hospital as the last option. We documented beliefs about the disease which could delay treatment.ConclusionThough we are reporting a high level of knowledge of BU, there exist fallacies about BU and negative attitudes towards victims in communities studied. Efforts towards disease eradication must first of all target these misconceptions.
Highlights
The majority of respondents stated the hospital as the place for appropriate treatment, focus group discussions (FGDs) and some Buruli ulcer (BU) victims preferred witchdoctors/herbalists and PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone
Though we are reporting a high level of knowledge of BU, there exist fallacies about BU and negative attitudes towards victims in communities studied
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a disease of the skin, underlying tissues and in some cases the bones, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, an environmental pathogen belonging to the family of bacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.BU is the third most common Mycobacterium infection of immune-competent hosts after tuberculosis and leprosy, and it is the most poorly understood of the three diseases [1]
Summary
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a disease of the skin, underlying tissues and in some cases the bones, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, an environmental pathogen belonging to the family of bacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.BU is the third most common Mycobacterium infection of immune-competent hosts after tuberculosis and leprosy, and it is the most poorly understood of the three diseases [1]. The second phase involves ulceration of the skin, causing osteomyelitis as a possible complication. Buruli ulcer (BU) is a neglected tropical disease affecting the skin, tissues and in some cases the bones, caused by the environmental pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). Socio-cultural beliefs, practices and attitudes in endemic communities have been shown to influence timely treatment causing disease management, prevention and control a great challenge. An assessment of these factors in endemic localities is important in designing successful intervention strategies. We assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding BU in three endemic localities in the South West region, Cameroon to highlight existing misconceptions that need to be addressed to enhance prompt treatment and facilitate effective prevention and control
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