Awareness and Treatment Methods of Ocular Onchocerciasis among Rural Dwellers in Amuro Community, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Despite treatment and preventive interventions by international organisations and governments, ocular onchocerciasis still persists in endemic communities in Nigeria. This may be as a result of low awareness of the disease that leads to misconceptions held by large proportion of people about ocular onchocerciasis causation, transmission, treatment and prevention. This study therefore investigated ocular onchocerciasis awareness and treatment methods among rural dwellers in Amuro community.

Methods: Survey research design was adopted for this study. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were the data collection instruments. Using Kish formula for a single proportion, 321 respondents were derived as the study sample size. For the qualitative data of the study, a total of six (6) in-depth interviews were conducted. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to identify and select the actual study respondents. The study quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Thematic analysis method was used to analyse the qualitative data. Ethical clearance was gotten from Imo State Ministry of Health. Furthermore, informed consent was obtained from individuals at their place of residence.

Results: It was found among others that while the use of traditional medicine/herbs is high in Amuro community, the higher the peoples’ level of education, the more they are likely to use ivermectin to prevent the disease.

Conclusions: Since educational level affect awareness of ocular onchocerciasis among rural dwellers, government and well-meaning individuals should encourage rural dwellers to acquire education by building more schools in Amuro community and making education free and compulsory.

Keywords: Ocular Onchocerciasis, Treatment, Awareness, Amuro