The Prevalence, Risk Factors And Treatment Methods For Tungiasis Among Residents Of Musokoto Sub-Locationin Kenya

ABSTRACT

Tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease caused by sand flea Tungapenetrans. The disease is endemic in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa.In Kenya, little data has been published regarding tungiasis generally. In Nambale health centre, tungiasisaccounted for 4% of total morbidities at the outpatient department. The prevalence of tungiasis among residents of Musokoto sub-location, the risks factors associated with tungiasis infestations and treatment methods used by Musokotoresidents to treat tungiasis are uncertain. Therefore this study sought to assess the prevalence of, risk factors and treatment methods for tungiasis among residents of Musokoto, in Kenya. Purposive sampling method was used to select Musokoto sub-location based on the previous reports of tungiasis prevalence from the health center. The 8 villages in the sub location were used in the study and 333 households were sampled using proportionate systematically random sampling.Prevalence was determined as percentage of infested individual out of total household population examined for tungiasis. Logistic regression was used to determine the risks factors associated with tungiasis. A total 1557 participant from 333 randomly selected households took part in the study. Of the 1557 participants, a total of 441(28.3%) at least had jiggers at one point in their life. Out of the 441, 287(65%) were confirmed to have jiggers on examination whereas 9(2%) did not have jigger by the time of the study. Toes on the extreme sites were more infested however the distribution of infestation was moral less the same for the all toes. Above 50% of those infested were aged 10 years and below. Logistical regression analysis revealed that place of sleeping (P