Evaluation of Household Preparedness and Risk Factors for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) Using the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) Method in Pakistan

Muhammad Numan, Shumaila Naz, Rehama Gilani, Azhar Minhas, Haroon Ahmed and Jianping Cao
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Muhammad Numan: Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
Shumaila Naz: Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
Rehama Gilani: Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
Azhar Minhas: Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Quetta 87300, Pakistan
Haroon Ahmed: Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
Jianping Cao: National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai 200025, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: (1) Background: In endemic areas of Pakistan, local community knowledge and attitudes towards cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are critical elements in the effective control and management of the disease. A cross-sectional epidemiologic design was used to assess the disease concern, preparedness, practices, and preventive behavior of the households and to assist the personnel and health care professionals in strengthening their planning efforts and awareness of CL. (2) Methods: A two-stage cluster sampling process, i.e., Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 on present household-level information about community needs and health status regarding CL in a cost-effective, timely, and representative manner. (3) Results: In the current study, 67% of the respondents were aware of CL and its causative agent and showed a low level of pandemic preparedness. The majority (74%) of the respondents mentioned that they did not avoid sandfly exposure areas. The majority (84%) of respondents had unsatisfactory behavior towards using bed nets, sprays, or repellents. (4) Conclusion: In endemic areas of Pakistan, the inadequate concern and low preparedness of the local community toward CL are critical aspects in efficient control and management of the disease.

Keywords: CASPER; cutaneous leishmaniasis; household; sandfly; risk factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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