Local Disease Perception And Treatment Of Onchocerciasis In Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Local disease perception and treatment of onchocerciasis were studied in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the level of understanding of the aetiology of onchocerciasis and the management of the disease in the area. Different sampling methods including cluster sampling and random sampling were used in the selection of the sample units. Data collection methods included the use of questionnaires and interviews. From the study, itwas found that the people of the area are aware of the presence and nuisance value of Simulium flies, commonly called the backly, but do not associate the bite with the manifestations of onchocerciasis which are common in their communities. It was discovered that ignorance was at the root of many problems associated with Onchocerca volvulus disease such as discrimination against people with oncho-rashes, lack of proper treatment of the disease and abuse of the choice drug for treatment of onchocerciasis (ivermectin). Poverty is also a contributory factor to lack of adequate treatment of the disease in the area. The result also showedthat nodulectomy is a common and acceptedtreatment method in the area for Onchocerca nodule. On the basis of the result, it is recommended that enlightenment programme is needed in the area together with a campaign for nodulectomy. In the enlightenment programme, use should be made of Community Directed Distributors already trained by World Health Organization (WHO) for the distribution of ivermectin under the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC).

Keywords: Onchocerciasis, Onchocerca volvulus, Simulium, disease perception, treatment, Uzo-Uwani.

Animal Research International Vol. 1 (1) 2004: pp. 23-30