Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Prevention Practices with Regard to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania aethiopica in Mount Elgon Focus, Kenya

Leishmaniasis has spread beyond the traditional areas of the Rift Valley and North Eastern provinces. There is more evidence of emergence and spread of leishmaniasis in Western Kenya. However, there is currently no comprehensive study on knowledge, attitude and prevention practices on leishmaniasis among the risk populations in the endemic Mount Elgon region of western Kenya. This has hindered the protocol for understanding the epidemiology of leishmaniasis. The descriptive survey design study was carried out from April to June, 2019 and it sought for information on KAP related to cutaneous leishmaniasis (C.L) in Mount Elgon region. Using stratified simple random sampling technique, a total of 340 household participants were selected in the study area. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Regarding the responses given to knowledge, attitude and practice, a score of 1 was given for each right response and 0 for unsure responses. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 23 statistical software. Descriptive statistics that include frequency and percentage were used to analyze the results. Out of 340 individuals were participated in our study 214 (62.9%) of the participants were males and 126 (37.1%) were females. The result of the present study in terms of knowledge showed that most of the respondents scored less than four items out of six correctly, hence described as having poor knowledge of CL. With regard to attitude respondents believed that CL was a problem in their area and had positive attitude towards the treatment of the disease. The study also found out that majority of the respondents practiced well, as indicated by scoring positively in more than three items. In terms of plants used in the treatment of the disease, Olea europaea, Kigelia Africana, Terminial mollis, Croton macrostachyus, Tylosema fassoglense and Bridella micrantha were mentioned. It was concluded that, people were less knowledgeable, had positive attitude towards the treatment especially using plant extracts could act as the basis for future research on alternative drugs against the disease.