@article{103138,
  keywords = {community knowledge, Attitudes, Perception, Buruli ulcer, Cameroon},
  author = {Tabah EN and Alain DC and Njih IN and Pagning LD and Nzoyem CT and Baran-A-Bidias E and Kouayep-Watat C and Wanda FE and Ventoso L},
  title = {Community Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Buruli Ulcer in Bafia Health District, Centre Region-Cameroon},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Aim</strong></p>

<p>Buruli ulcer (BU), a neglected tropical disease, occurs in about thirty-three countries world-wide. Misconceptions about BU leads to poor health-seeking behaviors. We explored community knowledge, perceptions and attitudes regarding BU in a new endemic district.</p>

<p><strong>Study Design</strong></p>

<p>It was a cross-sectional community-based survey.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Place and Duration of Study</strong></p>

<p>Bafia Health District (BHD), Centre region of Cameroon, in between November 2023 and February 2024.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Methodology</strong></p>

<p>We recruited 1341 participants through a three-stage cluster sampling design. A structured questionnaire was administered to 2 or 3 members aged 10-87 years of each household visited. Descriptive statistics were performed, chi-square tests used to assess associations, and forward stepwise binary logistic regression models used to identify independently associated factors of attitudes.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>Of 1341 participants, 30.1% had heard of and 21.1% knew someone with BU. Only 17.2% correctly identified BU lesions, 2.3% knew its cause, and 19.2% believed BU was curable. Regarding attitudes towards persons with BU (PWBU) only 27.4% would show them respect, 19,5% would shake hands, and 16.4% would share the same plate with them. Additionally, only 17.3% approved of their participation, and 14.1% and 12.2% respectively would allow their child to play with or marry a PWBU. Positive attitudes towards PWBU were significantly associated with: head about BU, knowing a PWBU, and understanding that BU is curable. Negative attitudes were significantly associated with beliefs that: BU is caused by supernatural forces, poor hygiene, or living with a PWBU.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>There were poor community knowledge and negative perceptions about BU in the BHD, which negatively influenced community attitudes towards PWBU. A community education intervention focusing on the natural occurrence, biological etiology, non-hereditary nature, the non-human-to-human transmission, and the curable nature of BU could improve upon the situation in BHD.</p>
},
  year = {2025},
  journal = {Asian Journal of Research in Dermatological Science},
  volume = {8},
  pages = {154-173},
  month = {12/2025},
  publisher = {Sciencedomain International},
  url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Earnest-Tabah/publication/394724404_Community_Knowledge_Perceptions_and_Attitudes_Regarding_Buruli_Ulcer_in_Bafia_Health_District_Centre_Region-Cameroon/links/69184d4b1555db2ebd5db4d5/Community-Knowledge-Perceptions-an},
  doi = {10.9734/ajrdes/2025/v8i1138},
  language = {ENG},
}