Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis Among Residents in Weliso and Ejaji Towns, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) is a significant vector‑borne meta zoonotic disease caused by agents belonging to the L. donovani complex. The disease is transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine female sandflies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia in the old and new worlds, respectively. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2019 and September 2020, using an interview questionnaire as the study instrument. The study participants were selected through a simple random sampling method. Pearson’s Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to evaluate the association between the study participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practices toward CVL and possible risk factors. Results: The study included a total of 400 participants, and the results indicated that 77.25% had good knowledge, 60.5% had a favorable attitude, and 59.25% had good practices toward CVL. The town of Ejaji and dog ownership were significantly associated with good knowledge (P = 0.001), and attitude (P = 0.001) towards CVL while having a dog (P = 0.001), having a diploma (P = 0.019) or degree and above (0.018), being divorced or widowed (0.012), and being Oromo (P = 0.013) were all significantly associated with good CVL practice. Conclusion: The majority of participants in both study areas had good knowledge but moderate attitude and practice toward CVL. Therefore, there is a need to enhance community health education and awareness of VL and its vectors through various means.