02472nas a2200349   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653002400054653005700078653004000135653001400175653003900189653001400228653002300242653002100265653001100286100001600297700001500313700001300328700001700341700001200358700001200370700001500382700001300397700001600410245012300426856006600549300000900615490000600624520147800630022001402108       2023                            d  bMDPI AG10aInfectious Diseases10aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health10aGeneral Immunology and Microbiology10aTungiasis10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aKnowledge10aattitude practices10aHealth Promotion10aUganda1 aThielecke M1 aMcNeilly H1 aMutebi F1 aBanalyaki MB1 aArono R1 aWiese S1 aReichert F1 aMukone G1 aFeldmeier H00aHigh Level of Knowledge about Tungiasis but Little Translation into Control Practices in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda  uhttps://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/8/9/425/pdf?version=1692954053  a1-170 v83 a<p>Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can cause significant suffering and disability. Health promotion is an important pillar in NTD control programs, assuming that better knowledge contributes to reduced risk behavior and reduced risk of infection. The study objective was to assess tungiasis-related knowledge and its translation into control practices in a rural and highly endemic setting in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. We applied a mixed-methods design on household and community level. A semi-quantitative questionnaire on knowledge, practices, and attitudes (KAP) regarding tungiasis was administered to 1329 individuals with the main caring responsibilities in the household. Additionally, eight community dialogue meetings were held and analyzed. Overall, knowledge of tungiasis in humans was high but knowledge of tungiasis in animals was low. Most questionnaire respondents knew the causative agent and clinical presentations of tungiasis in humans, risk factors, and preventive measures. This tungiasis-related knowledge was translated into simple prevention measures. However, adequate tungiasis control was impeded due to a lack of resources, such as access to water and effective medical treatment. In conclusion, health promotion campaigns should be integrated with support towards adequate tungiasis control measures, such as provision of safe treatment, hardening of non-solid floors in the houses, and improved access to water.</p>
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