Attitude and Practices on Onchocerciasis among Rural Dwellers in Ayedaade Local Government of Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Onchocerciasis is one of the neglected diseases globally that requires drugs use and preventive measures. The study assessed attitude and practices of  Wakajaye rural dwellers in Osun state. Of the one hundred questionnaires distributed randomly, male/female ratio was 1:1.2. Ages of participants were  mainly between 23 and 32 years. Awareness of onchocerciasis was claimed by 89(89%) respondents and 75(84.3%) agreed that it was an important health  problem. The information source was mainly through radio. Causative agent was not known by 52(58.6%) respondents, 23(25.8%) agreed that  dirty water was a mode of transmission. Awareness of symptoms was claimed by 69(77.5%) and 42(47.4%) agreed that the vector was black fly. Body  itching was most common symptom claimed by 58(84.1%) participants. Most affected part was skin as claimed by 67(74.1%) participants. Eighty percent  of the participants had knowledge of treatment and 40(44.9%) received ivermectin from Community Directed Treatment (CDT) programme and 24(27%)  used herbs. During medication use, 57(64.0%) respondents stopped itching. Preventive method was adopted by 74(83.1%) and 36(40.4%) visited health  centre. Endemicity in Nigeria was claimed by 61(61%) respondents and 83(83%) agreed it was curable and preventable and 78(78%) knew it could by black  fly bite transmission. Personal hygiene was adopted by 73(73%) respondents. When family members had the disease, 53(53%) respondents used  ivermectin, 25(25%) used traditional medicines, 29(32.6) visited the hospital and 74(83.1%) adopted preventive method. There was a significant  relationship in knowledge, attitude and practices (P<0.05). The study recommends intensified efforts among health authorities to campaign, educate and  create awareness in the prevention and control of onchocerciasis.