Abstract:
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Background
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) (known as kala azar) is associated with low
socioeconomic status, and patients are among the poorest. In Sudan visceral
leishmaniasis is one of the most important infectious diseases with an
estimated 20,000 cases annually; 80% in Gedaref State. The social, economic,
and behavioral factors play an important role in establishing both individual
and population-wide vulnerability to the disease.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional community based study was conducted at Barbar
Elfugara village to determine the socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors
among head of the households regarding infection with VL. A sample size of
224 heads of households was determined using statistical formula. Data were
collected using questionnaire, observation check list and reviewing records.
SPSS was used for analyzing data and chi-square test for the association
between different variables.
Results
The main risk factors of kala azar were gender {males were affected more than
twice females (24.4%:9.1%)}; the age group {<20 yrs (42.9%)}. Other factors were illiteracy (30.1%), occupation
mainly farmers (28.2%), poverty (39.1%), large families (31%) and living in one house room (45.5%). The
results showed that the respondents were highly aware of kala azar (97.3%), the majority (90.8%) believed
that kala azar is transmitted by an insect but only (55.5%) of them were aware of the sand fly. The
respondents showed poor knowledge of breeding sites (25.5%) and biting time (34.5%). Consistent use of
insecticide treated nets and sleeping inside habit were strongly protective (P=0.01) (P=0.00).
Conclusion
The study showed that the low socioeconomic status and poor knowledge of KA transmission are the major
risk factors for KA infection in the area. |