International Journal of General Medicine (Feb 2023)
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Associated Risk Factors and Prevention in Hubuna, Najran, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Mohammed Jamaan Alzahrani,1 Nahid Elfaki,2 Yahya Hussein Ahmed Abdalla,2 Mugahed Ali Alkhadher,3 Maha Hamed Mohamed Ali,4 Waled AM Ahmed5 1Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia; 2Community Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia; 3Medical and Surgical Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia; 4Public Health Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia; 5Nursing Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Al-Baha, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Nahid Elfaki, Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966503151008, Email [email protected]: Many countries are currently affected by leishmaniasis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis is ranked among the ten most neglected diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors related to cutaneous leishmaniasis and preventive measures among people living in Hubuna, Najran, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to October 2022. A convenience sampling technique was used, with 396 individuals invited to participate in the current study and 391 included. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized for collecting data. Descriptive analysis was used for risk factors and preventive measures, while χ2 tests were used for determining associations with risk factors.Results: Among participants, 38.1% (n=149) reported having cutaneous leishmaniasis clinically diagnosed and under treatment. Age 0– 10 years was found to be associated significantly with cutaneous leishmaniasis infection (AOR 3.08, 95% CI 1.6– 6.4; P=0.002) compared to other groups. A significant association was noted too for those residing in/around planted areas versus those who were not (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 0.13– 2.24; P 0.05).Conclusion: The cutaneous leishmaniasis endemicity level in Hubuna was high. Several socioeconomic and environmental factors contribute enormously to the spread of the disease in the area. Further investigation of risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis all over the country and setting up appropriate interventions to prevent its spread are recommended.Keywords: cutaneous leishmaniasis, preventive measures, risk factors, Hubuna, Saudi Arabia
