"It left me burnt": Traditional treatment and stigma experiences of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kalu district, Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health issue in Ethiopia, often causing lesions on the cheeks, nose, and lips that take months to heal, and leave permanent scars. Data on the lived experiences of people with CL in Ethiopia is needed to support design of interventions that could respond to their needs.

Methods

We interviewed 18 people with active or healed CL to understand their experiences of the disease in Kalu district, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and translated for content analysis which focused on experiences of symptoms, treatment and the consequences of living with CL.

Results

Experiences of CL symptoms and treatments used by people with CL in Kalu were associated with physical discomfort and signi

SUBMITTER: Cherkose T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12948309 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature