02665nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653001700054653001400071653001400085653001100099653001300110100001100123700001500134700001300149700001200162700001200174245013000186856013300316300001200449490000600461520191900467022002502386       2024                            d  bMedknow10aIntervention10aKala-Azar10aKnowledge10atribal10apractice1 aPaul P1 aKovvuru SR1 aAkhtar N1 aKumar M1 aPaul UK00aEffectiveness of an Intervention in Improving Knowledge and Practices about Kala-azar in a Tribal Population of Eastern India  uhttps://journals.lww.com/jopc/_layouts/15/oaks.journals/downloadpdf.aspx?trckng_src_pg=ArticleViewer&an=02273306-202405020-00008  a119-1260 v53 a<p><strong>Background: </strong>Kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania donovani, remains a significant health concern in India and other endemic regions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices (KAP) related to kala-azar among the Bedia tribal community in the Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India, and evaluate the impact of an educational intervention.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 289 participants were included in this observational study with an intervention component. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected, and a pretested questionnaire assessed KAP related to kala-azar. Knowledge and practice assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of participants were in the 18–30-year age group, engaged in unskilled work, and had limited formal education, reflecting significant poverty in the population. The intervention significantly improved participants’ knowledge and practices related to kala-azar. After the intervention, correct responses to questions regarding transmission, symptoms, curability, and treatment increased substantially. Discussion: The study highlights the effectiveness of targeted interventions in raising awareness and promoting healthier practices in underserved communities. It underscores the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in health-care access and tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different socioeconomic statuses.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides critical insights into the KAP related to kala-azar among the Bedia tribal community in India. Targeted interventions can be effective in reducing the incidence of kala-azar and improving overall health outcomes in marginalized populations.</p>
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