Abstract
The study examined the socioeconomic and environmental risk factors of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria by collecting primary and secondary data of allergic conjunctivitis from the Specialist Hospital from 2011-2015 and through the use of questionnaire. A total of 1742 cases of allergic conjunctivitis were reported within the period under review. The number of cases declined to 403 in 2012 and later to 207 in 2015. Females (948) in the age of 0-10 years (409) were more infected. Dry season was the main time of the year for the increased transmission of allergic conjunctivitis. Multiple Regression Analysis showed that 15.5% of the prevalence of conjunctivitis was explained by income, education, occupation and residential quality. However, occupation was the main predisposing factor (0.346, p<0.05). Dusty weather was the major environmental risk factor (60%). Redness of the eyes and itching were identified as the main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis across the three residential zones. The study concludes that susceptibility to Allergic Conjunctivitis varies across residential zone in different seasons of the year. Therefore, adequate public health practices and health education is required in the study area. Keywords: Conjunctivitis, Risk, Season, Residential and Transmission
Highlights
Human behaviour affects the incidence of Allergic conjunctivitis whose transmission is associated with overcrowding and dust pollution
Chiang et al, (2012) conducted a population study on chronic and acute conjunctivitis associated with the ambient environment in urban and rural areas and reported that increment of the daily average temperature increased the risk of acute conjunctivitis and chronic conjunctivitis
In 2008, Tong et al wrote that patients with allergic rhinitis often present with various symptoms of conjunctivitis including sneezing, watery rhino rhea and nasal congestion; itchy, red, watery eyes, and Jeffrey et al, (2014) feared that patients who are not treated appropriately are at risk for permanent visual complications
Summary
Human behaviour affects the incidence of Allergic conjunctivitis whose transmission is associated with overcrowding and dust pollution. Allergic Conjunctivitis is one of the most prevalent diseases in the tropics. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs very seasonally and tends to affect the people as a result of the hot, dry and dusty climate of the area. All populations are susceptible to conjunctivitis, but Jeffrey et al, (2014) noted that many patients with allergic eye disease are young, and they may not be able to provide a full clinical history. This study seeks to investigate factors of vulnerability to conjunctivitis in lokoja, Nigeria. This study is critical given the delay in reporting the disease by infected individuals. The objective of this study is to examine variations in the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in relation to the associated socioeconomic and environmental risk factors in Lokoja, Nigeria
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callMore From: Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
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.
