Intervention Study to Increase Knowledge and Awareness in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Cases: The Case of Şanlıurfa

Abstract

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to determine whether there was a change in the level of knowledge about the disease without education during the treatment and the effect of health education on the level of knowledge of the patients about the disease in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. Method: The research was of intervention type and was carried out in Şanlıurfa Cutaneous Leishmanias Diagnosis and Treatment Center. The study was completed with a total of 102 people, 51 of whom were in the intervention group and 51 in the control group. Both groups were pretested at the time of the first application. The intervention group was then given training, and the level of knowledge and awareness was re-measured one month later. No training was given to the control group, and after one month of treatment, the level of knowledge and awareness was re-measured in order to determine whether the level of knowledge changed during the treatment. Results: The mean knowledge score of the control group was 3.88±1.78 before the treatment and 4.96±1.46 after the treatment. The mean knowledge score of the intervention group was 3.33±1.26 before the treatment and 6.25±1.29 after the treatment. Both the post-treatment knowledge level compared to the pre-treatment and the intervention group knowledge level were higher than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Cutaneous leishmaniasis patients generally consist of less educated and low-income individuals. Along with the treatment, patients should be supported by providing qualified counseling.