Abstract

BackgroundTungiasis is a parasitic skin disease brought about by female Tunga penetrans when they burrow into the skin of their hosts. It is a disease that has largely been ignored. Epidemiology of tungiasis has not been widely studied in Kenya which could negatively affect effective intervention strategies. This study therefore sought to investigate epidemiology of tungiasis in selected areas in Kiharu constituency, Murang’a County in Kenya.MethodsThe study population comprised of public primary school pupils, the most vulnerable age group (n = 508) in Gaturi, Kimathi, Kahuhia and Mugoiri in Kiharu constituency. Public primary school pupils in the study area were randomly sampled. Through questionnaires and observations, data was collected.ResultsThe overall prevalence of tungiasis in pupils in the study area was 19.1 %. In multinomial logistic regression analysis some factors were identified to be associated with tungiasis such as lack of regular use of closed foot ware (Adjusted odds ratio = 10.45; 95 % Confidence Interval; 1.49–73.23), living in earthen mud walled houses (aOR = 13.78; 95 % CI = 3.127–60.69), sharing living quarters with domestic animals (aOR = 3.1; 95 % CI = 0.003–.046) and learning in classrooms with dusty floors (aOR = 14.657; 95 % CI = 2.262–94.95). Treatment of tungiasis was found to be mainly through mechanical removal of embedded T. penetrans.ConclusionThis study shows that tungiasis in the selected study areas of Kiharu constituency is a disease of significant health concern. Factors associated with tungiasis were identified that should be the focus of sustainable and effective control measures.

Highlights

  • Tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease brought about by female Tunga penetrans when they burrow into the skin of their hosts

  • Tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease caused by female T. penetrans [1]

  • Heavy infestation with hundred of embedded T. penetrans often occur in severe tungiasis [6]

Read more

Summary

Methods

Study area and study design This study was carried out in 2012 and 2013 when the public primary schools were in session, during dry weather seasons. Areas recruited for this study are Gaturi, Kimathi, Kahuhia and Mugoiri in Kiharu constituency that has a total of 21 public primary schools. Their accessibility was important while reports of tungiasis in primary schools from local health officers were useful during survey. Written permits to visit schools were obtained from Education Officers in the study area. Variables whose p value was less than 0.05 in the binary analysis were adjusted for confounding in a multinomial logistic analysis Their adjusted odds ratios were calculated to determine their independent association with tungiasis. Statistical significance was considered when value of p ≤ 0.05

Results
Background
Conclusions
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.