ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING THE PREVENTION METHODS AND TREATMENT OF PODOCONIOSIS AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Podoconiosis is a, non-infective, chronic disease characterized by the development of persistent swelling of plantar foot which progresses to the dorsum of the foot and encompasses lower leg slowly. Wolaita Zone has prevalence of podoconiosis exceeds 5.0%. People with podoconiosis and their families bear a range of negative social impacts asa consequence of having podoconiosis. Swollen legs and other parts frequently get infected and lymphatic obstruction limits movement. Besides people with podoconiosis, when the disease advances, become less productive and pass working time at home or in bed. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals regarding the prevention of podoconiosis at sawla district hospital. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from May up to July 017. All the health professionals of sawla district hospital were included in the study. Structured, piloted and scrutinized questionnaires were used for data collection. Data was entered into and analyzed by SPSS version 20. RESULT: Out of 143 health professionals 133(93.0%) had heard about podoconiosis. Only 102(76.7%) knew that podoconiosis is caused by soil particles. Around 78.5% of the health professionals have good knowledge towards podoconiosis. Only 17.4% of the respondents have favorable attitude towards podoconiosis. Around 97(72.9%) of the respondents good practice of prevention methods. Seventy-five (56.4%) of health professionals had ever treated podoconiosis patients and 76%of them prescribed DEC. Conclusion: - Most 78.5% of the health professionals have good knowledge towards podoconiosis. More than half (82.6%) of HPs had unfavorable attitudes towards podoconiosis. The good practice rate of prevention methods of health professionals in our research is 72.9%. Recommendation: - Training should be given to all health professionals in the hospital to raise awareness, reduce misconceptions, change attitudes, and improve prevention, care and control activities.