Perception and use of Medicinal Plants and Chemical Products in the Traditional Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Morocco

Abstract

Morocco is one of the countries that have suffered from CL for a long time, with epidemic outbreaks constantly spreading throughout the country. These skin diseases constitute a real public health problem and have been notifiable since 1995. The strategy to combat this skin disease focuses on the strategic pillars outlined by the National Leishmaniasis Control Program (PNLL), based on screening and diagnosis, as well as free treatment with antimony (Glucantime®). However, there is an under-utilization of health services by people suffering from leishmaniasis. The Ministry of Health states that the percentage of cases notified in health structures does not exceed 35% of the estimated cases. Unfortunately, no information exists to understand the causes that hinder the affected population from seeking care in health services. The WHO argues that knowledge of these factors allows the government to effectively combat these diseases and stop epidemics. [10][11][12][13] In Morocco, most studies that have been carried out on leishmaniasis are of the quantitative type, describing the eco-epidemiological and clinical aspects of the disease and the psychosocial effects of skin scars. 14,15,16 However, to our knowledge, there are no qualitative studies that focus on the individual experiences of people affected by CL in Morocco. This is the first study that seeks to understand the problems of under-utilization of health services by people affected by leishmaniasis skin lesions. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of patients living with CL and the challenges they faced when seeking medical diagnosis and care in Morocco using a qualitative approach. Therefore, this study focused on the qualitative