Prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis associated with the behaviors of the people in rural areas.

A cross sectional study was conducted by taking a random sample of 204 households of 5 VDCs in Sunsari district, Nepal with the objective to verify the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis with behaviors of the people in endemic rural areas. Interviews with structured questionnaires and k-39 tests were used to collect information. From a sample of 204 respondents, 28 (13.73%) cases of Kala-azar (KA) were identified with k-39 test positive. Of them, 43% KA cases were found among Mushar ethnic group, 32% among Muslims, 11% cases among Tharus and 4% in Uraus and 11% in others. The difference in the prevalence of Kala-azar in people who had lands and in those who did not have were significant. People not owning lands were at 4 times greater risk of developing Kala-azar in endemic areas. Seventy seven percent of the people were bed net users. From 46 nonusers, 11 (23.91%) developed Kala-azar, which was significant as compared to bed net users. From among 196 'ground-floor' sleepers, 85 (43.34%) were ground sleepers and 111 (56.63%) were 'plung' sleepers. Nineteen (22.35%) of ground sleepers had suffered from Kala-azar, while 9 (8.11%) of 'plung' sleepers had suffered from Kala-azar. From all cases of Kala-azar, 25 (89.25%) had cracks and crevices on the walls of their living rooms. Sleeping on ground, non-use of bed-nets, landlessness, cracks and crevices on the floor and wall of living houses, poor living condition and overcrowding in houses, labors, dalit groups were identified as risks for Kala-azar.