TY - JOUR
T1 - Onchocerciasis in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria
T2 - Clinical and psychological aspects and sustainability of community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI)
AU - Mbanefo, Evaristus C.
AU - Eneanya, Christine I.
AU - Nwaorgu, Obioma C.
AU - Oguoma, Victor
AU - Otiji, Moses O.
AU - Ogolo, Bernice A.
PY - 2010/10/1
Y1 - 2010/10/1
N2 - Background: A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the psychological impact of onchocerciasis, and assess sustainability of the decade-old community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in Ayamelum Local Council, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: Skin manifestations assessed using the rapid assessment method (RAM) in 894 subjects from 13 communities selected by multi-stage sampling were classified based on the anatomical sites affected. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to obtain information on the psychological impacts and sustainability of the CDTI programme. Qualitative data were summarised while quantitative data generated were analysed using charts and tables. Results: Anatomical distribution showed a preponderance of onchodermatitis on the limbs (the most exposed parts of the body) and buttocks (an area considered 'private'), thus revealing some reasons for the psychological impacts of the skin disease and the psychosocial inclination of the victims. Itching (40%) and onchocercal skin manifestations (OSDs) (34.3%) were identified as the most troublesome signs and symptoms, while the most worrisome consequence of onchocerciasis was social seclusion (or stigmatisation) (34.3%). Focus group responses revealed the persistence of psychological impacts on the victims, affecting almost all facets of their lives. The CDTI programme has performed creditably well when assessed using the sustainability indicators, yet there are still challenges in the areas of coverage, monitoring, resources, and participation. A 'quick-win' was identified whereby the CDTI chain could be utilised to deliver other health interventions. Conclusion: It is recommended that onchocerciasis control programmes should include aspects that would address its psychosocial impacts and threats to the sustainability of the CDTI programme.
AB - Background: A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the psychological impact of onchocerciasis, and assess sustainability of the decade-old community directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in Ayamelum Local Council, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: Skin manifestations assessed using the rapid assessment method (RAM) in 894 subjects from 13 communities selected by multi-stage sampling were classified based on the anatomical sites affected. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to obtain information on the psychological impacts and sustainability of the CDTI programme. Qualitative data were summarised while quantitative data generated were analysed using charts and tables. Results: Anatomical distribution showed a preponderance of onchodermatitis on the limbs (the most exposed parts of the body) and buttocks (an area considered 'private'), thus revealing some reasons for the psychological impacts of the skin disease and the psychosocial inclination of the victims. Itching (40%) and onchocercal skin manifestations (OSDs) (34.3%) were identified as the most troublesome signs and symptoms, while the most worrisome consequence of onchocerciasis was social seclusion (or stigmatisation) (34.3%). Focus group responses revealed the persistence of psychological impacts on the victims, affecting almost all facets of their lives. The CDTI programme has performed creditably well when assessed using the sustainability indicators, yet there are still challenges in the areas of coverage, monitoring, resources, and participation. A 'quick-win' was identified whereby the CDTI chain could be utilised to deliver other health interventions. Conclusion: It is recommended that onchocerciasis control programmes should include aspects that would address its psychosocial impacts and threats to the sustainability of the CDTI programme.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=78049491317&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1136/pgmj.2010.100248
DO - 10.1136/pgmj.2010.100248
M3 - Article
C2 - 20971709
AN - SCOPUS:78049491317
VL - 86
SP - 573
EP - 577
JO - Postgraduate Medical Journal
JF - Postgraduate Medical Journal
SN - 0032-5473
IS - 1020
ER -