Comparison of the Period Prevalence of Urban Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) in Bam in Two Time Periods of 1990-1992 and 2010-2012

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Bam is one of the old CL centers and this study aimed to determine and compare the period prevalence among its population and housing units in two periods of 1990-92 and 2010-2012. Methods: In this descriptive–analytical study, data were collected in the questionnaires through door-to-door visits environmental hygiene, and inquiring the history of the CL disease. A questionnaire was completed for each household, the data were analyzed using SPSS software and t- and X2 tests. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence rates in the periods 1998-1999 and 2010-2012 were 10.3% and 2.1%, in the study population and 33.6% and 5.5% in the residential units in the period of the last 3 years, respectively with a very significant difference (P<0.0001). The environmental hygiene of the houses in terms of vector breeding was significantly lower in the period 1990-1992 than 2010-2012 (P<0.0001). The mean score of environmental hygiene was 11.5 and 16.6 out of 20 during the two periods, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, urban CL is extremely reflective of the environmental changes and probably the best preventive measure is to improve the environmental hygienic conditions in and around the households. Public participation and commitment of the health authorities in this regard could be an important measure for planning preventive programs.

Keywords

• Periodic prevalence
• Population
• Housing units
• Bam