Investigating the Effects of Demographic Factors on the Prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Focus Area of Northeastern Iran.

Iran is a significant center for cutaneous leishmaniasis, making it crucial to identify transmission modes and control measures to improve public health. Due to the frequent cases of leishmaniasis at health centers in Neyshabur and Firuzeh, this study aimed to create a comprehensive profile of the demographic and environmental factors influencing the prevalence of this condition. This retrospective study utilized secondary data involving 807 patients with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis, referred to various health facilities, including clinics, outpatient centers, and hospitals in Neyshabur and Firuzeh Counties between 2013 and 2019. Of the total patients, 47.6% were male and 52.4% were female. The highest disease incidence was observed in middle-aged individuals, with 68% of cases occurring in urban areas and the remainder in rural settings. Of those infected, roughly 55% had no recent travel history, while approximately 45% reported recent travel. Among the subjects studied, 58.73% had one wound, 17.22% had two, and 7.08% had five or more. The hand was the most affected area, representing 20.69% of cases, followed by the face at 19.21%. A statistical correlation was found between patients' place of residence and occupational group with the type of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The incidence of the disease declined in 2018, but Neyshabur's central districts showed a higher average annual incidence rate than other studied areas, indicating increased risk for residents contracting cutaneous leishmaniasis. This highlights the need for targeted education for at-risk populations to reduce incidence rates and prevent disease spread.