Knowledge, attitude and preventive practice of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sodo district, Ethiopia

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Ethiopia, causing significant morbidity, disfigurement, and social stigma. Despite its public health importance, community awareness and preventive behaviours, particularly in Sodo District, remain inadequately characterised. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to CL among residents of Sodo District, Southern Ethiopia, with emphasis on transmission and vector biology, and risk perceptions. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, data were collected via structured, pre-tested questionnaires from 423 systematically selected households in six communities of Sodo District between January and April 2018. Cumulative KAP scores were dichotomised at the mean (noted to be normally distributed) to define satisfactory or unsatisfactory knowledge, favourable or unfavourable attitude, and good or poor preventive practice. We used descriptive analysis to summarise data and logistic regression to identify associations between higher KAP scores and sociodemographic variables. Associations among KAP domains were assessed using the Phi coefficient. The questionnaire was pretested for clarity; ethical approval was obtained, and verbal informed consent was documented for all participants. Among 423 participants, 61.9% demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, 53.4% had a favourable attitude, and 50.4% reported good preventive practices. Notably, only 51.1% recognized CL lesions from images, while over half were unaware of the causative agent and transmission routes. Awareness of vector behaviour was limited; fewer than half were knowledgeable about sandfly biting and breeding sites. Most participants acknowledged CL as a serious community health problem with disfiguring consequences if untreated. Use of preventive measures such as bed nets was moderate (68.1% ownership; 59.5% consistent use), but repellent use was low (30.3%). Personal contact with someone affected by CL significantly predicted better KAP. Phi coefficients indicated statistically significant positive associations among KAP domains, highlighting their interrelationships. Community awareness and prevention practices in Sodo District show substantial gaps, especially regarding vector biology and transmission. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based health education interventions. Such interventions should include community-based awareness programmes, school outreach initiatives, and integration with local health extension services to enhance knowledge, promote positive attitudes, and improve preventive behaviours. Tailoring education to the local context and vulnerable groups will be essential for increasing uptake and ultimately reducing CL transmission in endemic areas like Sodo District.