Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences

Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences

Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare practitioners about cutaneous leishmaniasis in health centers of Mashhad

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Bita Kiafar 1
Omid Gholami 2
Yalda Nahidi 1
Lida Jarahi 3
Mahdi Razmara 1
1 Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2 Department, of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
3 Department of community medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/mjms.2025.81030.4667
Abstract
Objective:
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the common diseases in endemic areas of Iran, including Mashhad, which has a significant economic and psychological burden. Previous studies have shown that the knowledge and performance of healthcare staff play an important role in the prevention and control of this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and performance of healthcare center staff regarding cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Methods:
This descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted using a census method among 110 medical staff in comprehensive health service centers in Mashhad in 2022 and 2023. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the BASNEF model, and its validity was confirmed through content validity and reliability with Cronbach's alpha. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 software and t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression tests.

Results:
Most participants in this study were at the bachelor's level, with physicians, nurses, and laboratory technicians. Results indicated that 90% and 75.5% of participants had good knowledge about cutaneous leishmaniasis and sandflies, respectively. Additionally, individuals with bachelor's degrees demonstrated better knowledge compared to others. Participants with an associate's degree had better knowledge, while those with a bachelor's and master's degree showed better attitudes and performance, respectively. Environmental health professionals also had better attitudes and performance overall.
Conclusion:
The overall level of knowledge, attitude, and performance of healthcare staff regarding cutaneous leishmaniasis was satisfactory, but intergroup differences indicate that targeted training based on education level and type of expertise can increase the effectiveness of control programs.
Keywords
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Knowledge
Attitude
Healthcare Staff
Subjects
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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 68, Issue 6
January and February 2026
Pages 1736-1752