Onchocercal skin disease in Benue state, Nigeria: integrated assessment of burden and psychosocial impact, and associated factors
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2022-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
One Health & Implementation Research
Abstract
Aim: We aimed to measure the degree to which onchocercal skin disease (OSD) impairs quality of life (QoL) in endemic resource-poor communities in the Ushongo, Kwande, and Katsina-ale local government areas of Benue State, Nigeria.
Methods: We evaluated the skin characteristics and QoL of 307 children and adults with OSD using a modified dermatological life quality index (mDLQI). Assessment of OSD was conducted and scored using mDLQI from 0 (no effects) to 18 (large effects). Thereafter, structured questionnaires were applied to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and predictors of moderate and severe OSD patients.
Results: In total, 235/307 (76.5%) participants presented onchocercal nodules; chronic papular dermatitis was found in 68 (22.1%). A total of 288 (93.8%) had two or more OSD-associated symptoms. The median mDLQI score was 0 [interquartile range (IQR): 0-0] in children and 5 in adults (IQR: 2-8). A higher mDLQI median score was observed in farmers. There was a statistically significant difference between children and adults (P < 0.001). The most frequently reported impairments were social exclusion, embarrassment/shame, and restriction from work/leisure activities. In logistic regression analysis, there was a significant association with increasing age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.21-1.71; P < 0.001) and visual impairment (AOR = 1.78; 95%CI: 1.02-3.10; P = 0.040) with severe mDLQI. Papular rash was an independent protective factor (AOR = 0.50; 95%CI: 0.27-0.93; P = 0.030).
Conclusion: Onchocerciasis-related morbidity has a profound measurable impact on the individual QoL, affecting the overall socioeconomic well-being of the affected community, if left untreated. Therefore, strict supervision and follow-up of home-based mass treatment with ivermectin are vital for successful control of the disease and to reduce the burden on affected communities.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Onchocerciasis, burden of infection, quality of life, psychosocial impact, risk factor