The Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practices of Students Regarding Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Hyperendemic Region of the Shahid Babaie Airbase

Abstract

The Shahid Babaie Airbase is one of the most endemic areas of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Isfahan. Community training on CL prevention could have a critical role in controlling CL in endemic areas. Because of the high incidence of disease among youth, this survey was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices (KAP) of students regarding CL in this endemic area. This study consisted of a questionnaire that was filled out while interviewing students attending middle and high school on the Shahid Babaie Airbase of Isfahan. The questionnaire contained questions about KAP of students regarding CL. The total scores in each field were categorized as weak, intermediate, or strong. Four hundred fifty students participated in this study, which included 245 high-school students and 205 middle-school students. The total knowledge score of the students was 17.47 (range, 0-30), which indicates an intermediate level of CL knowledge in this population. The students' attitude toward CL was intermediate, with a score of 37 and a range of 13-52. Additionally, practice of prevention was weak (score of 1.8; range, 0-6). There was a significant correlation between gender and both the attitude and knowledge of the students; both scores were higher in female students. Specific knowledge about CL symptoms, carriers, and reservoirs was higher than knowledge about preventative methods. The study revealed that 47.2% of students believed in fortune as a factor involved in acquisition of CL infection. Although 97.9% of students were aware that sandflies carry CL, only 28.6% were able to identify a sandfly. The results of this study further emphasize the importance and necessity of educating this at-risk population by planning direct, in-person training, which is an essential step in improving attitudes and preventative practices toward CL and in controlling CL in endemic areas.