Correlation between Socioeconomic Status and Clinical Course in Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Abstract

Objective: Leishmaniasis has long been known as a poverty-associated disease, which is particularly prevalent in developing and less developed countries. The role of socioeconomic status in the clinical course of the disease is less clearly defined. In this study, we investigated the potential relationship between the clinical course of cutaneous leishmaniasis in terms of its evolution into chronic forms and the socioeconomic status of the patients. Methods: A total of 140 patients attending the dermatology clinic in Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, were enrolled. The patients were grouped into high, medium, and low socioeconomic classes according to a comprehensive questionnaire. They received routine treatment protocols for leishmaniasis and were followed up for 1 year. Results: We found a statistically significant relationship between the clinical course of the disease and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Poverty might prolong the course of cutaneous leishmaniasis for many different reasons.