Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Prevalence, intensity and risk factors of tungiasis among school-aged children of Akaa Sub county, Zombo district, Uganda

10^th International Confernce on Parasitology, Microbiology and Infection Control

November 08-09, 2022 | Webinar

Mungujakisa Cyrus Agay

Bsc Msc, UVRI, Uganda

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Tungiasis is an important public health problem with considerably high morbidity and limited mortality especially among children living in resource poor rural communities with unhygienic conditions (Engels & Zhou, 2020; Girma et al., 2018; Damazio & Silva, 2009). The prevalence of tungiasis has been shown to range from 18.4% to 73.0% in different parts of Uganda (Wafula et al., 2016; Ministry of Health, 2010; Mutebi et al., 2015; Olaki et al., 2013). Zombo district is one of the jigger endemic hot spots of the West Nile region of Uganda in which majority of the households live well below the poverty level and in close proximity with domestic animals. However, there is limited information regarding prevalence of tungiasis and associated risk factors in Zombo. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the prevalence of tungiasis, intensity and identify the associated risk factors among school aged-children in Zombo district in order to provide baseline information on tungiasis for design of appropriate control intervention. Methodology and theoretical Orientation: This was a community-based cross-sectional study that randomly recruited 400 children aged 5 to 14 years from 24 village of Akaa Sub-County, Zombo district, West Nile region of Uganda. Study participants were systematically examined using standard methods for prevalence and intensity of Tungiasis while the associated risk factors were determined using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Findings: The overall prevalence of tungiasis was 16.0% and was characterized by light and medium levels on infestation with majority 97.4% the lesions located on the feet. Multivariate analysis showed that tungiasis infestation was associated with male gender, throwing wastes on the compound, bathing or washing less frequently, and not using soap either for bathing or washing. Conclusions and Significance: These results show that the prevalence of Tungiasis was low and considering the fact that the study was carried out during the start of the rainy season, it remains an important public health problem among schoolaged children of Akaa Sub county, Zombo district. To control and eradicate tungiasis, there is need to educate the community about the risk factors associated with tungiasis and to create awareness about hygiene in the control and prevention. This study was significant in that tungiasis along with scabies have remained unnoticed by policy makers and health professionals in spite of the high mobidity they cause among resource poor communities and thereby promoting poverty.

Biography :

Mungujakisa Cyrus Agay was born on the 16th of June, 1986 in Zombo district. Amassed a strong science background in Animal Health and Management, Environmental Science, completed my Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Msc in Applied Tropical Entomology and Parasitology. He was recruited as a field Assistant Ecology in 2009 at the Plague program where he has been working up to date. From the year 2009 up to date, I have been employed at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).