Factors Predicting the Perceived Threat of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis among Healthcare Workers in Bam County, Iran

Leishmaniasis is a widely spread but neglected tropical disease. Preventive measures play a crucial role in managing this disease due to the lengthy, costly, and potentially side-effect-ridden treatment process. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of factors predicting the perceived threat of cutaneous leishmaniasis among Healthcare Workers in Bam County.

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 healthcare workers in Bam County. All eligible staff were included in the study using a census method. Data collection involved a demographic characteristics questionnaire and researcher-made questionnaires related to knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity (perceived threat). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, including t-test, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression via SPSS 22.

The participants had a mean age of 36.5 ± 7.52 years. The variables of age (β = 0.206, p < 0.001), marital status (β = 3.687, p < 0.001), work experience (β = 0.219, p < 0.001), history of cutaneous leishmaniasis (β = -3.855, p = 0.002), participation in training courses (β = -4.003, p < 0.001), and knowledge (β = 2.280, p < 0.001) had a significant effect to predict perceived threat. Based on the multivariate regression test, knowledge (β = 1.998, p < 0.001) was a strong predictor of perceived threat. Thirty-six percent of the variance in predicting perceived threat was attributed to knowledge.

The participants possessed moderate knowledge about cutaneous leishmaniasis and had a good level of perceived threat. A significant and direct relationship was observed between knowledge and participation in training courses with the level of perceived threat. When individuals perceive themselves to be at risk of a disease with irreversible consequences, they consider it a serious threat and are more likely to take preventive measures.

Knowledge was the strongest predictor of perceived threat. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to enhance knowledge, promote risk awareness, and encourage preventive behaviors in different communities.