Sabella Kiprono Poster 2025

Dr Sabella Kiprono

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya

Burden of Visceral Leishmaniasis and Associated Risk Factors Among Residents of Baringo County, Kenya

Poster Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan disease transmitted by sandflies from the Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus genera. It manifests in three forms: cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral. In East Africa, the annual incidence of visceral leishmaniasis ranges from 29,400 to 56,700 cases, accounting for around 15% of global cases. This disease is endemic in Baringo County, Kenya, yet the prevalence and associated risk factors have not been comprehensively documented.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and access to resources for the diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of visceral leishmaniasis in Baringo County, Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tiaty and Baringo South sub-counties, which were purposively selected, with 422 households randomly sampled. Health records were analyzed at Kimalel health facility using stratified sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and abstract forms, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were employed.

The study found a high prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis at Kimalel health facility, with a rate of 77.9% over five years. The highest prevalence was in individuals under 18 years (62%) and in males (72.2%). The peak occurrence was in July, with 2016 reporting the highest rate (28.7%). Risk factors identified included low education (57.8%), larger households (55.3%), occupation, housing structure, and the presence of cracks in houses (p<0.01). Individual behaviors, such as sleeping under acacia trees, sleeping outside, and proximity to ant hills, were also significant risk factors (p<0.01).

Regarding access to resources, 50% of health staff reported that diagnostic and treatment resources were not always available, and 74.4% of patients accessed care on foot. There were no established prevention measures. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions by national and county governments to control and prevent visceral leishmaniasis in the region.

Biography

Dr. Kiprono is a dedicated researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya. As an early-career researcher, she is focused on advancing health in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Kiprono aspires to become a leading professional scientist in global health, fueled by her deep interest in Neglected tropical diseases (Visceral Leishmaniasis) and her commitment to innovations that improve health outcomes worldwide.