Assessment of Health Professionals' Knowledge Regarding Leishmaniasis in Centre of Morocco

Methods: The present study aimed to evaluate Moroccan health professional's knowledge regarding National Leishmaniasis Control Program. This was a cross-sectional exploratory study performed in the Marrakech Safi region. Data were collected from 402 doctors, nurses, midwives, and health technicians working in public sector healthcare institutions by questionnaire. This self-administered questionnaire derived from the national leishmaniasis control program assessed: (i) fundamental knowledge of leishmaniasis and its clinical manifestations; (ii) the transmission cycle; and (iii) prevention and case management strategies. The results were analyzed by SPSS version 26 using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Overall knowledge related to leishmaniasis was insufficient. This study claimed that health professional's better knowledge of management and prevention was positively associated to doctors [crude odds ratio (COR) = 5.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.07-23.54)], endemic province [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.30, 95% CI (1.48-3.53)], and experience of health workers with leishmaniasis [AOR = 6.11, 95% CI (3.31-11.41)]. However, midwifes risk not having [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.09-0.97)] a good level of knowledge in this category. Furthermore, doctors [AOR = 3.19, 95% CI (1.01-10.81)] and professionals working in endemic provinces [AOR = 1.75, 95% CI (1.14-2.68)] were more likely to have good basic knowledge towards leishmaniasis, contrary to midwifes [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.09-0.97)]. Good knowledge regarding transmission was positively associated with continuous training [AOR = 4.65, 95% CI (1.92-11.99)]. Conclusions: This research suggested the need to develop an initial and continuous training program adapted to the needs of health professionals.