Browsing by Author "Keweti, Hawi"

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    Knowledge of and Attitude towards Leprosy among non Leprosy Patients Visiting ALERT Hospital from May 2021 to August 2021 G.C Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2021-09) Keweti, Hawi; Dr. Tesfaye, Messay(MD ,Dermatovenerologist, Pediatric dermatologist, Ass professor); Dr.Teferi, Genet(MD, Dermatovenerologist, Ass professor )
    Background: leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, that predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves, resulting in neuropathy and associated long-term consequences, including deformities and disabilities. The disease is associated with stigma, especially when deformities are present. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and attitude towards leprosy among non leprosy patients visiting ALERT Hospital from May 2021 to August 2021 G.C. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among patients who visited ALERT hospital in the time frame mentioned above . The data was collected by using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Then was analyzed using SPSS Version 25. The results will be shared to ALERT hospital, AAU College of Health Sciences, department of Dermatovenerology, School of Public health and FMOH. Results: Among 260 study participants, 249 (95.76%) of them had heard about leprosy. Among the study participants who had heard of leprosy, only 25 (10%) of them had high level of knowledge of leprosy. Binary logistic regression revealed that study participants who completed primary, secondary school and Diploma and above(P=0.007,0.003 and 0.023 respectively) were significantly associated with high level of knowledge of leprosy. Out of 249 study participants who had heard of leprosy, 183 (73.5%) had a favorable attitude toward leprosy. Study participants who are in age range between 18-25 and not educated (P=0.011 and 0.044) and those who completed grade 1–8 and farmers (P= 0.003)were significantly associated with favorable attitude toward leprosy. Having high knowledge of leprosy was NOT associated with favorable attitudes toward leprosy Conclusion: This study revealed low overall knowledge of Leprosy among the non Leprosy patients visiting Alert Hospital . Having a high overall knowledge level on leprosy has not been shown to support a favorable attitude toward leprosy.