The Sociodemographic Risk Factors Associated With Cutaneous Leishmaniasis of the Hazara Community of Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a protozoan disease transmitted by sandflies, causing skin lesions and scars. In Pakistan, the Hazara community in Balochistan is significantly affected, with over 400,000 cases reported in 2016. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding CL in 216 participants, exploring environmental and sociodemographic influences.

Methods

An IRB-approved cross-sectional study was conducted via a KAP survey among the Hazara community ( = 216). Surveys were distributed in person at two local hospitals and online via WhatsApp. Percentages and numbers were counted to determine KAP. A logistic regression was performed to identify associations between participants' characteristics (age, gender, current residence, previous residence in Quetta, education level, annual household income, house construction type, house location within Quetta, and previous diagnosis of CL) and good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice for CL. Multivariate logistic regression was performed after adjusting for age, educational status, and current residence in Quetta. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, and a value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among them, 63.9% had CL, but only 38.4% could define it accurately, and 19% knew preventive measures. Female participants and those with lower education had fewer positive attitudes, while urban residents demonstrated better practices. University graduates exhibited positive attitudes but poorer practices compared to those with primary education. Despite high awareness of CL's treatability, gaps in knowledge and preventive behaviors were evident. Gender, education, socioeconomic status, and housing location were significantly associated with attitudes and practices, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve awareness and prevention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while awareness of CL's treatability was high, there were significant gaps in knowledge of symptoms, preventive measures, and good practices. Gender, socioeconomic status, education level, and housing location were significantly associated with attitudes and practices toward CL, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve knowledge and preventive behaviors.