Understanding Lymphatic Filariasis Prevalence, Clinical Manifestations, and Knowledge, Perception, and Practices Assessment in Paikoro Local Government, Niger State.
Abstract:
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria despite ongoing efforts of mass drug administration. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti infection in Paikoro Local Government, Niger State, due to the lack of updated data on LF transmission in the area. Diagnostic tools, including the Immunochromatographic card test (ICT) for detecting circulating filarial antigen (CFA) and clinical manifestations such as Lymphoedema and hydrocoele, were used. Additionally, demographic characteristics, knowledge, and perception of participants were assessed through a structured questionnaire.
Among the 1015 randomly selected subjects aged >5 years, an overall prevalence of 24.33% for Wuchereria bancrofti infection was established. The prevalence was observed to be higher in males (13.11%) than females (11.22%). Furthermore, significant variation in Wuchereria bancrofti prevalence was found among different age groups, with the highest prevalence recorded in the 16-25 age group (8.6%) and the lowest in the 56-65 age group.
Participants demonstrated awareness of LF symptoms, such as itching, pain, and chills, and had knowledge of the disease’s transmission through mosquito bites. Sleeping under mosquito nets was acknowledged as a method of disease control. Interestingly, past experiences with Lymphatic filariasis, community health workers, mass media, and hospitals served as significant sources of information for 37.7% of the participants.
The study also revealed that Wuchereria bancrofti infection varied significantly with respect to participants’ marital status and occupational characteristics in the communities.
These findings highlight the widespread prevalence of W. bancrofti infection in Paikoro Local Government, emphasizing its status as a major health issue. Urgent interventions are warranted, including mass drug administration and comprehensive sensitization programs, to effectively combat the disease in the study area.
Understanding Lymphatic Filariasis Prevalence, Clinical Manifestations, and Knowledge, Perception, and Practices Assessment in Paikoro Local Government, Niger State.