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
journal contribution
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 BremnerBACKGROUND: 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 HealthISSN
1876-3413Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)External DOI
Event location
EnglandDepartment affiliated with
- Global Health and Infection Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes