Abstract
BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis is a chronic non-infectious neglected tropical disease that predominantly affects barefoot individuals who are exposed to red clay soil. Podoconiosis is characterized by bilateral swelling of the lower legs, which has a wide range of impacts, including chronic morbidity, disability, and social stigma. It is the most common neglected public health problem across productive age groups, but not among children under the age of 15. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of podoconiosis among people 15 years and above at Dera Woreda, South Gondar Zone. METHODS: A community-based unmatched case-control study design was employed using 504 study participants. The data was collected using a pre-tested structured interview administered questionnaire. EpiData version 3.1 was used for data entry, which was then exported to SPSS version 25 for cleaning, recoding, and further analysis. Variables with a p-value < 0.20 in binary logistic regression were selected for multivariable logistic regression analysis. To identify determinants of podoconiosis, variables with a p-value < 0.05 and 95% CI corresponding AOR were used. RESULTS: In this study, 504 participants (169 cases and 335 controls) were included with a response rate of 98.2%. The study participants' median age was 45 years (IQR = 35.25, 56.0). Older age [AOR: 3.05 (95% CI: 1.66, 5.60)], males [AOR: 2.03 (95%CI: 1.16, 3.55)], ≤ 1000birr monthly income [AOR: 9.16 (95% CI: 4.97, 16.87)], haven't owned pair of shoes [AOR: 3.28 (95% CI: 1.77, 6.08)], didn't wash feet daily [AOR: 2.93 (95% CI: 1.22, 7.02)], and family history [AOR: 21.67 (95% CI: 9.21, 51.01)] were identified determinants of podoconiosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified podoconiosis determinants as older age, male gender, low monthly income, not owning a pair of shoes, not washing their feet daily, and family history. Improving foot hygiene practices, owning shoes, and implementing community-led surveillance and screening activities are all necessary to prevent podoconiosis in the study setting. Improving and strengthening behavioral change through health education and promotion is required to prevent this neglected tropical disease across the nation.