KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING TUNGIASIS IN POPULATION OF CHINIOT, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Background: Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by sand fleas, predominantly affecting economically distressed communities with poor housing conditions, limited healthcare access, and inadequate sanitation. This parasitic skin disease impacts both humans and animals, leading to significant physical, social, and economic challenges. Despite its public health importance, awareness and preventive measures remain insufficient in many endemic regions, highlighting the need for targeted research and interventions. Objective: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding tungiasis among the population of Chiniot, Punjab, Pakistan, with a focus on identifying gaps in understanding and prevention strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 villages of Chiniot, involving 800 respondents. Sociodemographic data and KAP variables were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising 15 questions, categorized into knowledge, attitude, and practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, employing descriptive statistics to identify trends and patterns. Results: Among respondents, 84.87% were aware of tungiasis, while 15.13% had no knowledge of the disease. Seasonal variations in tungiasis prevalence were identified by 85.2% of participants. Animal infections were notably high, with buffaloes and cows being the most affected (62.3%). Preventive practices included regular cleaning of animal shelters (66.3%) and the use of insecticidal sprays (51.4%). Traditional treatments, such as ethanol (41%), coconut oil (30.8%), and glycerin (27.3%), were commonly used. Most participants (88.6%) wore shoes as a protective measure, and 60.7% reported washing hands after handling animals. However, only 71.2% recognized the dangers of using unsterile instruments for flea extraction. Conclusion: The study highlights a moderate level of awareness regarding tungiasis but reveals significant gaps in knowledge about its transmission and prevention. Improved education, accessible resources, and consistent hygiene practices are essential to mitigating the disease's impact in endemic communities.