01688nas a2200181   4500000000100000008004100001260001600042653005700058653002100115653002800136653001800164100001300182245007900195300001200274490000800286520119800294022001401492       2020                            d  bElsevier BV10aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health10aGeneral Medicine10aWomen's Health Services10aSocial stigma1 aHamdam P00aWhy does leishmaniasis result in life-long scars for women in Afghanistan?  a196-1980 v1853 aObjectives<br>
The main purpose of this study was to explore the reasons behind the late presentation of female patients with leishmaniasis to the clinic.<br>

<br>Study design<br>
A descriptive study design and qualitative method were used in this study.<br>

<br>Methods<br>
For information generation, two focus group discussions and three in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare providers.<br>

<br>Results<br>
Many factors, including socio-economic status, lack of knowledge about the disease (i.e. signs and symptoms, transmission, prevention and treatment), the use of traditional or local treatment methods and lack of female healthcare providers, contribute to the late presentation of patients with leishmaniasis to the clinic. This late presentation of patients with leishmaniasis, especially in women, can result in damage to the body tissue, resulting in life-long scars that carry social stigmas.<br>

<br>Conclusions<br>
Leishmaniasis can result in life-long scars if it is not timely diagnosed and treated. As a result of the scars being highly stigmatised, the social life of patients with leishmaniasis can be impacted, especially for female patients.  a0033-3506