Guinea worm disease and its persistence in some rural communities of Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were carried out in six villages of Ogun State, Nigeria, from January to December 2004 to identify the reasons for the
persistence of guinea worm disease in spite of eradication measures. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were administered
to 250 head of households in the endemic villages to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in the management
of guinea worm disease. The overall prevalence of infection for the study-period was 1.0% . 96.0% of the respondents
depended solely on ponds for drinking water during the dry season. 80.0% of the respondents had been infected before,
68.0% think that the disease is caused by spiritual attack, while 4.0% associated the disease to drinking bad water. 77.5% did
not know if it is possible to prevent the disease. It was observed that immigrant farm labourers and apathy on the part of
eradication officials may play vital roles in the transmission of the disease in the area. This study shows that there is need to
ascertain and specifically address reasons for the persistence of the disease in areas still endemic.

Keywords: guinea worm disease, persistence, eradication, Nigeria.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 28 (1) 2007: pp. 15-19