Dataset Information

Spatial distribution, prevalence and potential risk factors of Tungiasis in Vihiga County, Kenya.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Tungiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans also known as jigger flea. Communities living in precarious conditions in tropical and sub tropical countries bear the brunt of the infection. The main objective of this study was to determine the burden of Tungiasis in Vihiga County in Kenya. METHODS:This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 21 villages in 3 Sub-locations in Vihiga County, western Kenya. A total of 437 participants, 5 years old and above were clinically examined for the presence of tungiasis after consenting to take part in the study. Diagnosis was made following standard methods. A semi- structured questionnaire was administered to assess socio-demographic factors, housing, presence and ownership of animals, knowledge and practice related to tungiasis. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate regression analysis. GIS was used to map the geographic distribution of tungiasis in the area. RESULTS:The overall prevalence was found to be (21.5%; 95% CI: 17.7-25.3%). The cases were analysed and visualized in a map form. Multivariate analysis suggested that the occurrence of tungiasis was associated with variables that indicated low economic status (like a monthly income of Ksh ? 1000 (adjusted odds ratio 27.85; 95% CI: 4.13-187.59), earthen floor (0.36; 0.13-1.024) and lack of toilet facilities (4.27; 0.82-22.34), age of participant ?14 (27.414; 10.02-74.99), no regular use of closed footwear (1.98; 0.987-3.97) and common resting place inside the house (1.93; 0.96-3.89). CONCLUSIONS:Tungiasis is an important health problem in Vihiga County occasioned by the low economic status of the people affected. Factors that point to poverty contribute to the occurrence of tungiasis. These findings suggest a need to design control strategies for tungiasis that are cost effective and easily accessible.

SUBMITTER: Nyangacha RM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6413899 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Spatial distribution, prevalence and potential risk factors of Tungiasis in Vihiga County, Kenya.

Nyangacha Ruth Monyenye RM Odongo David D Oyieke Florence F Bii Christine C Muniu Erastus E Chasia Stanley S Ochwoto Missiani M

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 20190312 3

<h4>Background</h4>Tungiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans also known as jigger flea. Communities living in precarious conditions in tropical and sub tropical countries bear the brunt of the infection. The main objective of this study was to determine the burden of Tungiasis in Vihiga County in Kenya.<h4>Methods</h4>This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 21 villages in 3 Sub-locations in Vihiga County, western Kenya. A total of 437 participants, 5 years ol ...[more]

PMID: 30860992

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundTungiasis is a highly neglected tropical skin disease caused by the sand flea, Tunga penetrans, the female of which burrows into the skin, causing pain and itching. The disease occurs throughout South America and sub-Saharan Africa but there are few systematic data on national disease burdens. The tungiasis research community is keen to develop survey methods to fill this gap. Here we used a school-based, thorough examination method to determine the prevalence and risk factors for tungiasis in Kenya.MethodsWe conducted the first nationally representative survey of tungiasis, including nine counties covering the major ecological zones of Kenya. A stratified multistage random sampling was used to select 22 primary schools from each of the nine counties and to select up to 114 pupils aged 8 to 14 years in each school. Pupils were examined thoroughly for tungiasis. Two surveys were conducted, the first between May and July 2021 and the second between October 2021 and April 2023 when pupils were also interviewed for risk factors. Mixed effect logistic regression models were used to test associations of independent variables with tungiasis using the school as a random effect.ResultsThe overall prevalence of tungiasis in the first survey was 1.35% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.59%], and 0.89% in the second survey. The prevalence ranged from 0.08% (95% CI: 0.01-0.59%) in Taita Taveta county to 3.24% (95% CI: 2.35-4.44%) in Kajiado county. Tungiasis infection was associated with county of residence, male sex [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.52-2.67], and lower age (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75-0.88). For the first time we demonstrate an association with attending public schools rather than private schools (aOR = 5.62, 95% CI: 1.20-26.22) and lower socioeconomic status (aOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03-0.33). Using a rapid screening method of the top of feet only, would have missed 62.9% of all cases, 78.9% of mild cases and 20.0% of severe cases.ConclusionsTungiasis is widely but heterogeneously distributed across Kenya. School-based surveys offer an efficient strategy for mapping tungiasis distribution.

Project description:BackgroundTungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by female sand fleas (Tunga penetrans) embedded in the skin. The disease is associated with important morbidity. Tungiasis is endemic along the Coast of Kenya with a prevalence ranging from 11% to 50% in school-age children. Hitherto, studies on epidemiological characteristics of tungiasis in Africa are scanty.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study 1,086 individuals from 233 households in eight villages located in Kakuyuni and Malanga Sub-locations, Kilifi County, on the Kenyan Coast, were investigated. Study participants were examined systematically and the presence and severity of tungiasis were determined using standard methods. Demographic, socio-economic, environmental and behavioral risk factors of tungiasis were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsThe overall prevalence of tungiasis was 25.0% (95% CI 22.4-27.5%). Age-specific prevalence followed an S-shaped curve, peaking in the under-15 year old group. In 42.5% of the households at least one individual had tungiasis. 15.1% of patients were severely infected (≥ 30 lesions). In the bivariate analysis no specific animal species was identified as a risk factor for tungiasis. Multivariate analysis showed that the occurrence of tungiasis was related to living in a house with poor construction characteristics, such as mud walls (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.71-6.58), sleeping directly on the floor (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.03-2.74), the number of people per sleeping room (OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.07-2.93) and washing the body without soap (OR = 7.36; 95% CI 3.08-17.62). The odds of having severe tungiasis were high in males (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.18-44.6) and were very high when only mud puddles were available as a water source and lack of water permitted washing only once a day (OR 25.48 (95% CI 3.50-185.67) and OR 2.23 (95% CI 1.11-4.51), respectively).ConclusionsThe results of this study show that in rural Kenya characteristics of poverty determine the occurrence and the severity of tungiasis. Intra-domiciliary transmission seems to occur regularly.

Project description:Tungiasis is caused by the flea tunga penetrans and results in painful skin lesions, skin infections, and permanent disability. However, limited information is available that shows the magnitude of the problem and its risk factors that help for intervention in Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of tungiasis in children aged 5 to 14 in Mettu woreda in 2020. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected kebeles of Mettu woreda, in Southwest Ethiopia. To select study participants, multistage sampling was used. The data were collected through physical examination of the children, interview of parents/guardians of the children, and observation of the home environment using checklists and questionnaires. The descriptive analysis was done for socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence of tungiasis, and housing conditions. A logistic regression analysis was performed, and variables in multivariable regression reported odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals once the variables were identified using a p-value of 0.05 as a risk factor of statistical significance. The prevalence of tungiasis among children 5-14 years of age in Mettu rural woreda was 52 percent (n = 821). As a risk factor, large family size (AOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 2.13, 4.40); school attendance (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.18), floor inside the house (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.76, 8.43); having sleeping bed (AOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.82); access to protected water sources (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.39); access to improved toilet facilities(AOR: 0.63: 95% CI: 0.44, 0.89); access to electric services (AOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.62); and lack of own farmland (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.50) were found. Therefore, planning and implementation of interventions focus on those risk factors that are particularly important. Water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, and livelihood improvement interventions are required to solve the problem in the setting.

Project description:BackgroundNeonatal Tetanus (NT) is a preventable cause of mortality and neurological sequelae that occurs at higher incidence in resource-poor countries, presumably because of low maternal immunisation rates and unhygienic cord care practices. We aimed to determine changes in the incidence of NT, characterize and investigate the associated risk factors and mortality in a prospective cohort study including all admissions over a 15-year period at a County hospital on the Kenyan coast, a region with relatively high historical NT rates within Kenya.MethodsWe assessed all neonatal admissions to Kilifi County Hospital in Kenya (1999-2013) and identified cases of NT (standard clinical case definition) admitted during this time. Poisson regression was used to examine change in incidence of NT using accurate denominator data from an area of active demographic surveillance. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk factors for NT and factors associated with mortality in NT amongst neonatal admissions. A subset of sera from mothers (n = 61) and neonates (n = 47) were tested for anti-tetanus antibodies.ResultsThere were 191 NT admissions, of whom 187 (98%) were home deliveries. Incidence of NT declined significantly (Incidence Rate Ratio: 0.85 (95% Confidence interval 0.81-0.89), P<0.001) but the case fatality (62%) did not change over the study period (P = 0.536). Younger infant age at admission (P = 0.001) was the only independent predictor of mortality. Compared to neonatal hospital admittee controls, the proportion of home births was higher among the cases. Sera tested for antitetanus antibodies showed most mothers (50/61, 82%) had undetectable levels of antitetanus antibodies, and most (8/9, 89%) mothers with detectable antibodies had a neonate without protective levels.ConclusionsIncidence of NT in Kilifi County has significantly reduced, with reductions following immunisation campaigns. Our results suggest immunisation efforts are effective if sustained and efforts should continue to expand coverage.

Project description:BackgroundTungiasis is a cutaneous parasitosis caused by the female flea Tunga penetrans. Two-component dimeticone (NYDA) is the only treatment for tungiasis recommended by the World Health Organization; however, this topical drug is not available in Kenya. In Western Kenya, sodium carbonate is commonly used in the treatment of tungiasis. This study evaluated the 7-day cure rates for tungiasis by comparing sodium carbonate and NYDA treatments in Homa Bay County, Kenya.Methodology/principal findingsThis was a randomized, observer-blinded, parallel-treatment cohort trial. Twenty-three eligible children with 126 flea infections were matched and randomized. All participants received both treatments, with one treatment on each foot. We recorded all health conditions/information, including inflammation scores and adverse events. Observations were performed on days 3, 5, and 7 using a digital microscope to confirm dead or live fleas based on the viability signs. Twenty-three children aged 3-13 years were analyzed. The proportion of dead fleas on day 7 was higher after NYDA treatment than after 5% sodium carbonate treatment (87% versus 64%, respectively, P = 0.01) NYDA. Median survival was 5 days for both treatments; NYDA had significantly higher trend of flea non-viability rate than 5% sodium carbonate (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the inflammation score or pain/itchiness between the two treatments. On the last day, 14 children indicated their preference for NYDA in future treatment of tungiasis, whereas nine children preferred the 5% sodium carbonate solution.Conclusions/significanceNYDA was significantly more effective than 5% sodium carbonate for tungiasis treatment. Both treatments were safe but the children preferred NYDA more. Future studies with more participants and an extended observation period are warranted to confirm our findings. The findings suggest that NYDA should be made more available in tungiasis endemic area.Trial registrationUMIN-CTR; UMIN 000044320.

Dataset Information

Spatial distribution, prevalence and potential risk factors of Tungiasis in Vihiga County, Kenya.

Publications

Spatial distribution, prevalence and potential risk factors of Tungiasis in Vihiga County, Kenya.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets