CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS AMONG ATTENDING HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CENTERS IN AMRAN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Abstract

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a broad spectrum of diseases. There is no published data on the epidemiology or risk factors of leishmaniasis in Amran Governorate. This study aimed to scrutinise the prevalence and behavioural risk factors associated with CL among visitors to hospitals and health centres in Amran Governorate. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from 68 patients with lesion clinically suggestive of CL. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, risk factors, and influence factors of CL. Sixty-eight cutaneous leishmaniasis were recorded during the month December 20 (29.4%), and the Jabal Yazid District was more infected area with the parasite 14 (20.6%). The majority were from males 45 (26.2%), individuals with age groups of 0–20 years old 34 (50%), single individuals 52 (76.5%), and those who come from rural areas 38 (55.9%), with a significant difference (P <0.05), and the major risk factors were by bite of female sandfly 55 (80.9%), with a significant difference (P <0.05). Cutaneous leishmaniasis was highly prevalent in Amran Governorate among children (0-20). Our study showed that the risk factor associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis could help the ministry of health in the establishment of an effective program.