Knowledge, Practice, and Behavior of University Students Concerning Sandfly Vectors of Leishmaniasis in Fez City, Central North Morocco http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v7i6.30

Main Article Content

Youness El Fattouhi
Najoua Darkaoui
Fatima Z. Talbi
Abdellatif J. Idrissi
Abdelhakim El Ouali Lalami

Abstract

Sandflies are proven vectors of several viruses, bacteria, and parasites, causing many vector-borne diseases like leishmaniasis. Morocco aims to eliminate the disease by 2030. However, this disease continues to be a public health issue in the country despite all the efforts to limit its spread. The present study evaluated the knowledge, practices, and behaviors of university students regarding sandflies as leishmaniasis vectors. From April to July 2018, 385 students were interviewed using a pretest questionnaire. A score of 1 was assigned to every correct answer concerning knowledge and practice variables, and a mark of 0 was assigned to any incorrect answers or unanswered questions. Pearson's Chi-square (X2) test was used to analyze the association between the independent variables and the level of knowledge and practices. A statistically significant association is demonstrated when p < 0.05. Students had an intermediate level of understanding of leishmaniasis vectors, with a knowledge score of 5.61 out of 10. The level of prevention practices, however, only received a 1.63 out of 4 rating. The field of study in high school and knowledge, as well as prevention methods and demographic factors, such as the field of study in high school and academic level, were also found to be significantly correlated (p = 0.000). The findings of this study demonstrate the significance of implementing various levels of awarenessraising and educational initiatives among university students, as it represents a crucial step to enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and preventive actions regarding this disease.

Article Details

How to Cite
Fattouhi, Y. E., Darkaoui, N., Talbi, F. Z., Idrissi, A. J., & Ouali Lalami, A. E. (2023). Knowledge, Practice, and Behavior of University Students Concerning Sandfly Vectors of Leishmaniasis in Fez City, Central North Morocco: http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v7i6.30. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research (TJNPR), 7(6), 3263–3270. Retrieved from https://tjnpr.org/index.php/home/article/view/2114
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Author Biography

Abdelhakim El Ouali Lalami, Laboratory of Biotechnology, Conservation and Valorization of Naturals Resources (LBCVNR), Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, 30000, Fez, Morocco

Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Fez, Regional Health Directorate Fez-Meknes, EL Ghassani Hospital, 30000 Fez, Morocco.

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