Onchodermatitis in Rural Nike Enugu Primary School Children

Abstract

The pattern of onchodermatitis was investigated among primary school children in rural Nike because children are known to suffer from the disease as well as bear the brunt of the stigmatization felt by their parents. Skin manifestations are easily recognized, as the names given to the disease in endemic communities derive from such. Out of 242 pupils examined, 21 (8.7%) showed features of onchodermatitis. The acute form of the disease e.g purities and acute popular onchodermatitis were found to be present in those affected, but more in the younger age group while more chronic lesions like chronic popular and lichenified onchodermatitis were in addition seen in the older school children. There was no statistically significant gender difference detected. It is being suggested that children be actively involved in health education and enlightenment programmes so that they get acquainted with the nature of the disease early. Thus armed with information, they will stop the perpetration of the negative traditional beliefs and attitudes that prevail in relation to onchodermatitis.


Key Words: Onchodermatitis, Stigmatization, Psychosocial burden, School children.


Jnl of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol.2 2001: 64-67