Assessment of Health Professionals' Knowledge Regarding Leishmaniasis in Centre of Morocco

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Methods: The present study aimed to evaluate Moroccan health professional's knowledge regarding National Leishmaniasis Control Program. This was a cross-sectional exploratory study performed in the Marrakech Safi region. Data were collected from 402 doctors, nurses, midwives, and health technicians working in public sector healthcare institutions by questionnaire. This self-administered questionnaire derived from the national leishmaniasis control program assessed: (i) fundamental knowledge of leishmaniasis and its clinical manifestations; (ii) the transmission cycle; and (iii) prevention and case management strategies. The results were analyzed by SPSS version 26 using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Overall knowledge related to leishmaniasis was insufficient. This study claimed that health professional's better knowledge of management and prevention was positively associated to doctors [crude odds ratio (COR) = 5.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.07-23.54)], endemic province [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.30, 95% CI (1.48-3.53)], and experience of health workers with leishmaniasis [AOR = 6.11, 95% CI (3.31-11.41)]. However, midwifes risk not having [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.09-0.97)] a good level of knowledge in this category. Furthermore, doctors [AOR = 3.19, 95% CI (1.01-10.81)] and professionals working in endemic provinces [AOR = 1.75, 95% CI (1.14-2.68)] were more likely to have good basic knowledge towards leishmaniasis, contrary to midwifes [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.09-0.97)]. Good knowledge regarding transmission was positively associated with continuous training [AOR = 4.65, 95% CI (1.92-11.99)]. Conclusions: This research suggested the need to develop an initial and continuous training program adapted to the needs of health professionals.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.