| dc.description.abstract | Jigger infections are common in poor communities infecting mainly young children but also adults. They result in increased rates of morbidity (such as anemia and malnutrition). In this case co-infections with other diseases are highly possible. When left untreated, jiggers can lead to serious medical complications, including serious limb deformities that can in turn impact negatively on the socioeconomic welfare of those affected. The study was carried out at Kivubuka primary school Namulesa town Jinja district of Uganda to identify factors influencing the occurrence of jiggers among pupils.
A cross-sectional study was carried out among 368. Questionnaires were administered and physical examination of pupils was carried out. Data was entered in excel sheet and imported in STATA for analysis and interpreted with Os ratios and Percentages at 95% confidence intervals and their p. Values 0.05. Bar graphs, pie charts and tables were used to present observations of research. Ethical approval was sought and clients‟ consent were respected.
The prevalence of Jigger infestation was 26.09%, (95% CI=21.61 to 30.89). Infection rate was high amongst Pupils staying in rural areas (OR=0.53 95%; CI=0.32-0.87; p. Value=0.0075), children who were coming from homesteads where mud was used to polish the floor (OR=2.23; 95% CI=1.09-9.45; p. Value=0.04), those who never had shoes (OR=1.99; 95% CI=1.19-3.26; p. Value = 0.0047) and those who had pigs at home (OR=1.88; 95% CI=1.06-5.94; p. Value=0.02). Jigger infestation affected pupils‟ attendance to school as well as causing several pathologies.
The results on prevalence of jigger infections we obtained in the study (26.09%) were high and similar to what was earlier on reported in Busoga region. Staying in village settings, living in dusty environments and walking bare footed are significantly associated with Jigger infections. Jigger infections affect pupils‟ school attendance and are associated with several pathophysiological changes. I recommended; recruitment of public health officers, increase awareness on the epidemiological situation, initiation of anti-jigger campaigns and treatment of domestic animals with insecticides. | en_US |
