Prevalence, Clinical Epidemiology, and Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, and Practices Regarding Lymphatic Filariasis Among Selected Communities in Kotangora, Niger State.
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis, a debilitating Neglected Tropical Disease caused by the mosquito-borne filarial nematode Wuchereria brancrofti, poses a significant public health challenge. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Filariasis in five selected communities: Rugan gandu/Tudun Fulani, Sabon garin mangu/ matachibu, Sabon garin Madara, Tashan badukke, and Dogon fili in Kotongora Local Government Area, Niger State. Standard parasitological techniques, rapid assessment methods, and structured questionnaires were used in this study. Out of 1015 blood samples collected and examined using the Filariasis Test Strip (FTS), 111 (10.94%) were positive for filariasis. The prevalence of infection varied among the communities, with Rugan gandu/Tudun Fulani having the highest infection rate (17.37%), followed by Sabon garin mangu/ matachibu (14.51%), while Tashan Baduke had the lowest infection rate (4.52%). Regarding age groups, individuals aged 56-65 years had the highest infection rate (22.5%), followed by the age group 66-75 years (21.43%), and the lowest rate was observed in the age group 46-55 years (7.44%). Among those infected, 60.71% believed that stepping on charms was the cause of the disease, while 37.68% of unaffected respondents attributed it to fever. The majority of infected individuals (85.71%) considered avoiding mosquito bites as the most effective preventive measure. The study revealed that lymphatic filariasis is endemic in Kotongora Local Government Area, Niger State, with a potential for increasing prevalence, intensity, and clinical symptoms over time. Urgent implementation of control measures is crucial to halt the transmission and impact of this disease.
Prevalence, Clinical Epidemiology, and Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, and Practices Regarding Lymphatic Filariasis Among Selected Communities in Kotangora, Niger State.