Socio-economic and environmental risk factors of allergic conjunctivitis in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the socioeconomic and environmental risk factors of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria by collecting primary and secondary data of allergic conjunctivitis from the Specialist Hospital from 2011-2015 and through the use of questionnaire. A total of 1742 cases of allergic conjunctivitis were reported within the period under review. The number of cases declined to 403 in 2012 and later to 207 in 2015. Females (948) in the age of 0-10 years (409) were more infected. Dry season was the main time of the year for the increased transmission of allergic conjunctivitis. Multiple Regression Analysis showed that 15.5% of the prevalence of conjunctivitis was explained by income, education, occupation and residential quality. However, occupation was the main predisposing factor (0.346, p<0.05). Dusty weather was the major environmental risk factor (60%). Redness of the eyes and itching were identified as the main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis across the three residential zones. The study concludes that susceptibility to Allergic Conjunctivitis varies across residential zone in different seasons of the year. Therefore, adequate public health practices and health education is required in the study area.

Keywords: Conjunctivitis, Risk, Season, Residential and Transmission