KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF MEDICAL SCIENCES STUDENTS ON LEPROSY IN THE CITY OF KALEMIE, THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59296/tgjs.2331001Abstract
Introduction: Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacteri leprae and lepromatosis. It is endemic in Tanganyika province where it still remains a public health problem. Stigma and discrimination against leprosy sufferers stem from the level of knowledge about leprosy among the population. This first study in a Congolese academic environment was conducted with the objective of assessing the knowledge and attitudes of medical students towards leprosy.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim carried out using a questionnaire among the students of the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kalemie from September to December 2022. The data collected were analyzed using Epi-Info 7.2 software. The test significance threshold was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Out of 299 students interviewed, 98.6% had heard of leprosy, 52.2% of them during class sessions. The mean age of the respondents was 24.7 ± 4.7 years, with a slight female predominance (50.2%). The majority of students were in nursing (74.9%). The level of knowledge was good in 35.9% and the attitude was positive in 12.5% of respondents. Good knowledge about leprosy was significantly associated with female gender (OR=1.8 [CI95%: 1.1-2.9]; p=0.023), marital status other than single (OR=2.834 [CI95%: 1.581-5.079]; p=0.006), and the main source of information being course lectures (OR=8.3 [CI95%: 4.6-14.8]; p<0.0001). Course teaching, urban residence, willingness to share food with the leper, and allowing one's child to play with the leper were associated with students' positive attitudes towards leprosy.
Conclusion: In the middle of a high incidence of leprosy, the results of this study show the need to put in place strategies for raising awareness and educating health students on leprosy to fight against ignorance and stigmatization.
Keywords: Leprosy, Hansen's disease, Leprosy Stigma, Kalemie, DRC
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References
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