Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards cutaneous leishmaniasis among residents of Western Khuzestan Province, Iran

Leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas and remains a significant public health issue in Iran. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) among residents of western Khuzestan. This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was carried out among residents in the cities of Susangerd, Bostan, Hoveyzeh, Hamidiyeh, and Shush in western Khuzestan. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed questionnaire consisting of 31 questions divided into four sections covering demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning CL. Out of 780 participants (48.6% male, 51.4% female), 31.8% held university degrees. Less than half of the respondents had awareness of CL. Skin lesions (44.1%) and sand flies (59.6%) were most frequently recognized as the primary symptoms of the disease and its vectors, respectively. Only 23.2% could correctly distinguish sand flies from other insects like flies and mosquitoes. Awareness about sand fly breeding sites and biting times was low, though 44.1% identified summer as the peak season for the disease. The majority viewed bed nets as essential health tools (69.1%), with 73.1% supporting health education as an effective preventive measure and 71.1% endorsing bed net use for protection. Common preventive practices included proper waste disposal and avoiding travel to endemic areas. Overall, attitudes and practices regarding CL in the studied population were good, but notable gaps in knowledge remain. The limited understanding of the disease and its vector highlights the need for targeted health education and awareness programs to reduce future CL risk.