CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LEISHMANIASIS CASES NOTIFIED TO MOH OFFICES OF MATARA DISTRICT DURING 2018-2020
Keywords:
Leishmaniasis, socio-demographic factors, body-parts affected, diagnoses, treatments, investigationsAbstract
Background: Leishmaniasis stands as a neglected tropical ailment comprising three primary clinical variants: visceral, mucocutaneous, and cutaneous. It emerges due to infection by a protozoan parasite, with over 20 distinct Leishmania species being responsible for its occurrence.
Objectives: This study aimed to describe selected factors associated with clinically confirmed Leishmaniasis cases notified to MOH Offices of Matara District during 2018-2020.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of Case Investigation Forms of all clinically confirmed Leishmaniasis cases treated from 2018-2020 to MOH Offices of Matara District.
Findings: With 24% of affected individuals belonging to the 5-9 years age group. Females constituted 56.67% of the cases. Students were 47.36% of the cases. The Sinhalese showed higher vulnerability [93.03%] compared to Muslim community. The MOH Dickwella area reported the highest percentage of cases [50.96%]. Diagnostic practices indicate preferences for skin biopsy and culture [44.52%] and histology [35.87%] of cases. earth floors and thatched or tiled roofs associated with lower risks.
Conclusion: Rural areas within the Matara district, as identified by the MOH [Medical Officer of Health] regions, exhibited a high prevalence of cutaneous Leishmaniasis suggesting a need for targeted preventive efforts, especially through focused public awareness campaigns.
