“Risk Factors for Visceral Leishmaniasis in Selected High Endemic Areas of Morang District, Nepal”: A case control Study

Visceral leishmaniasis is a major public health concern in Nepal. During the last few years, several KA outbreaks have been reported from Tarai region including Morang district. A case control study was conducted to assess the risk factors associated with VL in 5 endemic VDC of Morang district with 62 cases already treated from BPKIHS and Koshi zonal hospital and 248 controls selected randomly from the same village. Data collected using semi structured questionnaire from September to November 2013.This study revealed that people living in thatched house, sleeping in ground floor, ownership of animal, history of migration to India (Bihar and Jharkhand) and proximity to other KA cases within 50 m distance of household were strong risk factors for VL. Education remains protective (OR 0.39,95 % CI 0.19-0.79).The association with socioeconomic status showed clear dose – response effect. The odds for VL consistently decreased as the level of socioeconomic status increased (OR 4.26, 3.81). Strengthening surveillance system for early diagnosis and treatment, awareness programme and further extensive study is needed on risk factor, vector and control measures. Key words: Risk factors, Visceral leishmaniasis, Morang District