Magnitude and Associated Factors of Podoconiosis and its Comorbidity With Tungiasis Among Residents in Southwest Ethiopia: A Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study

Background Nonfilarial elephantiasis, also known as podoconiosis, is a completely preventable, neglected tropical disease characterized by prominent swelling of the lower extremities. The disease is common in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, its epidemiology varies from region to region. Its comorbidity with other diseases is also rarely studied in Ethiopia. A better understanding of podoconiosis and its comorbidity with tungiasis is crucial for the utmost consideration of the management and prevention strategies. Objective The study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of podoconiosis and its comorbidity with tungiasis among residents of southwest Ethiopia. Methods A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in selected districts of southwest Ethiopia from February to May 2023. After appropriate data collection and processing, the descriptive statistics were computed to determine the magnitude of podoconiosis and its comorbidity with tungiasis. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was computed to identify the factors associated with podoconiosis in the frame of Hosmer–Lemeshow’s goodness of fit. Result A total of 554 study participants were enrolled in the study. Podoconiosis was identified among 34 study participants, with a magnitude of 6.14% (95% CI: 4.21, 8.4%). Of the total podoconiosis‐affected study participants, about 11.8% ( n = 4) were simultaneously infected with tungiasis. The disease was found to be associated with occupation, time not wearing shoes, usage of soap for leg/foot washing, and family history of leg swelling in the study participants. Conclusion This study indicates a significant prevalence of podoconiosis and a notable comorbidity with tungiasis. The findings of this study highlight the need for targeted interventions on improved footwear practices and hygiene education in the study area. Moreover, potential genetic screening of the population in podoconiosis endemic areas can contribute to the early prevention of the disease, thus reducing its burden and alleviating the torment of the population.