부산대학교 도서관

Objectives: The objectives of this study is to examine the risk factors associating with lymphatic filariasis with the main aim of eliminating the disease. Lymphatic filariasis impairs the lymphatic system and can lead to the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability and social stigma. Methods: Certain communities in Ogun State have been reported endemic and are undergoing Mass Administration of Medicine (MAM). However, since 2003 certain communities are yet to reach the threshold level for an eventual elimination. Hence, there is the need to assess pattern of reinfection, attitude, practice and knowledge of people in these communities using uncommon method. Community awareness and involvement are considered vital tools for the success and sustainability of elimination. Market Survey was employed as it has been used in previous research studies in assessing the Attitude, Knowledge and Practice (KAP) of Onchocerciasis in Osun State. Market survey gives a wider coverage of responses especially for areas with bad roads, which when analyzed will enhance elimination process of Lymphatic filariasis. Three markets were used for the survey. These markets were Owode, Lusada and Ilaro, which were randomly selected with the assistance of the Local Government Secretariats as the markets located in endemic communities and which have participated in MAM. Overall 238 voluntary respondents were recruited for this study after the purpose of research was explained to them and the filling of informed consent forms. Results: Each of the market had the following respondents: Owode, 82:29 (35.4%) males, 53 (64.6%) females, Lusada 74:27 (36.5%) males, 47 (63.5%) females and Ilaro 82:36 (43.9%) males and 46 (56.1%) females. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to voluntary respondents in English language and interpreted in Yoruba the native language for illiterate respondents. Respondents from the three markets acknowledged the presence of the disease by the knowledge of the clinical signs of the disease which had different native names, Ipa/asopa/sopa by 42 (66.7%) from Owode, 38 (77.6%), from Lusada and 31 (39.2%) from Owode. However, 53 (89.8%) from Owode, 30 (71.4%) from Lusada and 90 (90.9%) from Ilaro were ignorant of the causes of the disease. Also 78 (97.5%) from Owode 56 (100%) from Lusada and 79 (96.3%) from Ilaro had never heard of Albendazole, diethylcarbamazine or ivermectin, nor 62 (98.4%) from Owode, 56 ((100%) from Lusada and 80 (97.6%) from Ilaro ever taken the medicine. Respondents also know specifically people in their locality that have both elephantiasis and hydrocele fore limb elephantiasis. 37 (50.76%) acknowledged they know them in Owode, so also 44 (59.5%) from Lusada and 31 (37.8%) from Ilaro. For hydrocele 20 (31.3%) respondents from Owode claimed to know individuals with it, so also 38 (54.3%) in Lusada and 20 (26.0%) in Ilaro. Most respondents: 57 (83.8%) from Owode, 50 (75.8%) from Lusada and 54 (75.0%) do not believe it is transmitted by mosquitoes. Conclusion: It is obvious from the results from this survey that most respondents are ignorant of the cause of disease, treatment pattern, control measures and MAM is yet to have acceptable coverage even though there is evidence of the disease. There is great need for effective advocacy from the grassroots at community level, for Mass Administration of Medicine to be effective in these communities if we look forward to an eventual elimination of lymphatic filariasis in these communities in Ogun State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]