Knowledge, attitudes and practices about Visceral leishmaniasis in three communes of Neiva, Huila

Abstract

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by vectors of the Lutzomyia genus, distributed in 98 countries, including Colombia, which can cause a serious clinical picture that, in the absence of treatment, can be fatal. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) acquired on vectors and reservoirs, as well as the characteristics of visceral Leishmaniasis in communes 8, 9 and 10 of the city of Neiva in 2019. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from June to December 2019. Three communes (8, 9 y 10) were sampled from a total of 30 neighborhoods of the city of Neiva – Huila. In addition, 385 CAP-type surveys were applied, with a margin of error of 5% and a reliability of 95%. People aged 18 years or older (267 women and 117 men) who voluntarily wished to participate, with prior informed consent, were included. Results: According to the analyzed information, it was determined that the majority of the surveyed population did not know about visceral leishmaniasis (77%), did not identify it as a zoonotic disease (52%), nor did they know who the causative agent is (82%); furthermore, they were not clear about the symptoms that occur in humans, nor the treatment used to manage them. Conclusions: Although preventive campaigns have been carried out in the affected communes, the level of knowledge about the disease, the vector, the reservoir, and the specific preventive practices to counteract visceral leishmaniasis are little known in the study population, despite the fact that the identified practices and attitudes are positive.

Keywords

• enfermedades endémicas
• salud pública
• leishmania
• prevención & control
• zoonosis