Effectiveness of an Intervention in Improving Knowledge and Practices about Kala-azar in a Tribal Population of Eastern India
| Autor: | Pritama Paul, Surendra Reddy Kovvuru, Naushad Akhtar, Mukesh Kumar, Uttam Kumar Paul |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2024 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Primary Care Specialties, Vol 5, Iss 2, Pp 119-126 (2024) |
| Druh dokumentu: | article |
| ISSN: | 2772-3615 2772-3623 |
| DOI: | 10.4103/jopcs.jopcs_9_24 |
| Popis: | Background: Kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania donovani, remains a significant health concern in India and other endemic regions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices (KAP) related to kala-azar among the Bedia tribal community in the Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India, and evaluate the impact of an educational intervention. Methods: A total of 289 participants were included in this observational study with an intervention component. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected, and a pretested questionnaire assessed KAP related to kala-azar. Knowledge and practice assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness. Results: The majority of participants were in the 18–30-year age group, engaged in unskilled work, and had limited formal education, reflecting significant poverty in the population. The intervention significantly improved participants’ knowledge and practices related to kala-azar. After the intervention, correct responses to questions regarding transmission, symptoms, curability, and treatment increased substantially. Discussion: The study highlights the effectiveness of targeted interventions in raising awareness and promoting healthier practices in underserved communities. It underscores the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in health-care access and tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different socioeconomic statuses. Conclusion: This study provides critical insights into the KAP related to kala-azar among the Bedia tribal community in India. Targeted interventions can be effective in reducing the incidence of kala-azar and improving overall health outcomes in marginalized populations. |
| Databáze: | Directory of Open Access Journals |
| Externí odkaz: |
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