EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN ENDEMIC AREAS

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) continues to pose a major public health challenge in endemic regions, particularly where socio-environmental risk factors and limited health awareness intersect. Despite advances in clinical management, effective community-level prevention remains underutilized and under-evaluated.

Objective: To identify emerging risk factors and evaluate the effectiveness of community-based prevention strategies for cutaneous leishmaniasis in endemic areas.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to November 2024 across selected endemic zones of Punjab. A total of 405 participants were enrolled using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews, environmental observations, and clinical evaluations. Risk factors and preventive behaviors were assessed, and statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression to determine associations. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Health Research Ethics Committee, and informed consent was secured from all participants.

Results: Among 405 participants, 21.2% had clinically confirmed CL. Significant risk factors included proximity to forested areas (p=0.002), poor waste disposal (p=0.009), and low socioeconomic status (p=0.000). Preventive practices such as use of bed nets, indoor spraying, and community clean-ups were significantly associated with lower infection rates (p<0.01). Infected individuals had notably lower awareness scores (mean 4.1 ±1.2) than non-infected participants (mean 6.7 ±1.5). Multivariate analysis confirmed community education and preventive participation as protective factors.

Conclusion: The study underscores the critical influence of environmental exposure, socioeconomic vulnerability, and low disease awareness on CL transmission. Community-engaged preventive strategies offer effective, sustainable solutions and should be prioritized in leishmaniasis control programs.