Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan.
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 21;19(9):5068. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095068.
(1) Background: In endemic areas of Pakistan, local community knowledge and attitudes towards cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are critical elements in the effective control and management of the disease. A cross-sectional epidemiologic design was used to assess the disease concern, preparedness, practices, and preventive behavior of the households and to assist the personnel and health care professionals in strengthening their planning efforts and awareness of CL. (2) Methods: A two-stage cluster sampling process, i.e., Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 on present household-level information about community needs and health status regarding CL in a cost-effective, timely, and representative manner. (3) Results: In the current study, 67% of the respondents were aware of CL and its causative agent and showed a low level of pandemic preparedness. The majority (74%) of the respondents mentioned that they did not avoid sandfly exposure areas. The majority (84%) of respondents had unsatisfactory behavior towards using bed nets, sprays, or repellents. (4) Conclusion: In endemic areas of Pakistan, the inadequate concern and low preparedness of the local community toward CL are critical aspects in efficient control and management of the disease.
(1) 背景：在巴基斯坦的地方性流行地区，当地社区对皮肤利什曼病（CL）的知识和态度是有效控制和管理该疾病的关键因素。采用横断面流行病学设计来评估家庭对疾病的关注、准备情况、做法和预防行为，以帮助人员和卫生保健专业人员加强规划工作并提高对 CL 的认识。
(2) 方法：2020 年 9 月至 2021 年 3 月，采用两阶段聚类抽样方法（社区公共卫生应急反应评估，即 CASPER），以经济有效的方式、及时地、具有代表性地收集当前有关 CL 的家庭层面信息，了解社区的需求和健康状况。
(3) 结果：在当前研究中，67%的受访者知晓 CL 及其病原体，并表现出低水平的大流行准备。大多数（74%）受访者表示他们不会避免沙蝇暴露区。大多数（84%）受访者对使用蚊帐、喷雾剂或驱虫剂的行为不满意。
(4) 结论：在巴基斯坦的地方性流行地区，当地社区对 CL 的关注不足和低准备状态是有效控制和管理该疾病的关键方面。
