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Knowledge, attitudes and practices about kala-azar in rural communities of Bihar, India

Md. Salim Zaffer*, Arun Kumar & B.P.Yadav Bipra
University Department of Zoology, B.N.M. University, Madhepura, Bihar, India
Received : 27th June, 2018 ; Revised : 29th August, 2018

Abstract: The present report is the results of a study of the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) about kala-azar of the inhabitants of villages of Bihar. The villagers had poor knowledge about the transmission of kala-azar, with most villagers perceiving that mosquitoes, instead of sandflies, were responsible for transmission of the infection. Most failed to recognize the common symptoms of kala-azar. The majority of the respondents, 45% were unaware about the symptoms of kala-azar. The residents of both villages were highly responsive to a programme to spray houses with insecticides. Fewer than 15% of respondents slept outdoors in farm outhouses and these individuals did not take any personal vector control measures. About 17% respondents do not complete the treatment of kala-azar. The results of this study show the importance of understanding the beliefs and practices of communities in the successful planning and implementation of kala-azar control activities in Bihar.

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