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Dellar et al 2021 EnDPoINT Phase 2 KAP.pdf (227.1 kB)

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals towards people living with lymphoedema caused by lymphatic filariasis, podoconiosis and leprosy in northern Ethiopia

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posted on 2023-06-10, 04:02 authored by Rachael Dellar, Oumer Ali, Mersha Kinfe, Abraham Tesfaye, Abe WassieAbe Wassie, Gail DaveyGail Davey, Maya SemrauMaya Semrau, Stephen BremnerStephen Bremner
BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy are highly stigmatised neglected tropical diseases that cause lymphoedema. Their enormous impacts on health-related quality of life, mental health and economic productivity can be significantly reduced by morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services, but to deliver such services requires appropriate training of healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of rural Ethiopian healthcare professionals towards people with lymphoedema as a way to assess training needs. METHODS: This study used questionnaires to quantitatively assess KAP towards people with lymphoedema among rural healthcare professionals in northwest Ethiopia before and 12 months after a short training intervention. RESULTS: Questionnaires were administered to 14 health professionals at baseline and 21 at follow-up. At baseline, 71% (10/14) were found to hold at least one stigmatising attitude towards lymphoedema patients, compared with 66% (14/21) at follow-up. Large gaps in knowledge were noted, with many unable to identify ways of treating/preventing the diseases. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed high proportions of healthcare workers holding stigmatising views and lacking essential knowledge about lymphoedema. To maximise the impact of MMDP interventions, further research is urgently needed to understand how to address these issues.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Int Health

ISSN

1876-3413

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Event location

England

Department affiliated with

  • Global Health and Infection Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-06-23

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-06-23

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2022-06-21

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