Preliminary studies on the local names, prevailing beliefs and treatment practices of some common parasitic diseases in rural areas of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the local names, prevailing local beliefs and treatment practices of some common parasitic disease in rural areas of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara State. The identified common parasitic diseases were Malaria, Intestinal helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, Dracunculiasis, and Amoebic dysentery. The people have several names for each of the parasitic diseases. The use of plants extract is the most common treatment practices. The result revealed a general ignorance of the causes and treatment of the parasitic disease in the area. The implication of the findings to the global efforts of parasitic diseases control is discussed.

The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 103-108