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Aug 4, 2023Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Knowledge, attitude and practice of health workers towards leprosy at a high burden rural site in Ethiopia
Abstract
Background: Leprosy is a chronic mycobacterial disease of public health importance. The role of the health workers in leprosy diagnosis and management of leprosy is crucial. Hence, in this study, the knowledge, attitude and practice of the health workers was assessed at one of the leprosy high burden pocket areas (Kokosa) in the Oromia Regional State.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kokosa public health centers at 7 health facilities and 86 health workers included.. Upon informed consent, data were collected from health workers through a selfadministered structured questionnaire in July 25-26, 2015. On-site observation was used to assess individuals and group performance. Bloom’s cut off point was used to describe the knowledge and practical skills whereas Likert’s scale was used to describe the attitude of the respondents.
Results: Data obtained from 86 health workers were included to the final analysis of knowledge and attitude. Among the participants, 72.1% of the health workers had poor knowledge of leprosy. A quarter of respondents (25.6%) had unfavorable attitude towards leprosy. Among 62 health workers assessed for practical skills, only 4 (6.5 %) diagnosed leprosy correctly. Forty percent of the health workers had less than 4 years of service whereas 48% of them had 5-14 years of service.
Conclusion: Leprosy tailored training program should be implemented to improve knowledge and skills of health workers on leprosy diagnosis and treatment.
