Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and applied Sciences, Collage of Science, Computing and Engineering, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria.
2
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
3
Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
4
Biology Education Department, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq.
5
School of Agriculture Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Kampus Besut, 22000 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
6
Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
7
Department of Field Crops and Medicinal Plants, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
8
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, NIGERIA
9
Chemistry Department, University College at Al-Qunfudhah, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
10.24271/psr.2024.464922.1644
Abstract
Assessing the knowledge of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and associated risk factors among endemic communities is important for designing its management and control. Knowledge of CL-related factors and how CL is perceived is important in designing public health interventions against this disease in such endemic communities. The present study aimed to develop a questionnaire to evaluate the perceptions and knowledge of predisposing factors related to CL among patients with CL. Data obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted among a cohort of 56 patients with CL were collected to evaluate the assessment questionnaire developed to determine CL-related factors. The internal consistency reliability and validity of the instrument were measured via the use of Cronbach's alpha test, whereas the dimensionality and item relationships were established via the ICLUST algorithm. Seven clusters with alpha values equal to or greater than 0.7 were generated corresponding to knowledge about the sandfly vector, knowledge and perception of the CL, knowledge about the clinical presentation of the CL, disease transmission and method of vector control, nature/household level and presence of vegetation around the house, how to differentiate vectors from mosquitoes, and health status and how to seek medical treatment. Finally, a 21-item questionnaire that is both reliable and valid was developed. CL perception and knowledge about its predisposing factors are independent of gender, education, family size and socioeconomic status.
Keywords
Subjects
Passer Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences