Ignorance as a factor influencing the prevalence of onchocerciasis in some villages in Oyo State Nigeria

Akinboade O. A., . and Anong C. I. N., . and Uwalaka E. C., . Ignorance as a factor influencing the prevalence of onchocerciasis in some villages in Oyo State Nigeria. pp. 93-97. ISSN 2180-3897

Most studies on Simulum damnosum in Nigeria has focused mainly on the problem of onchocerciasis from the ecological standpoint. However this study is aimed at viewing it from the human angle with focus placed on the ignorance of the rural dwellers about the influences of their environment on the increasing incidences of onchocerciasis in their population. The premise is that as the government and the scientists are working towards finding a lasting solution to the epidemic the rural dwellers need to wake up to the realities of their own destiny. They need to come out and collaborate with other good efforts to form a strong united force that will rid their society of this menace. A study on the level of ignorance was carried out. It is assumed that their ignorance has kept the villagers relatively inactive and passive about freeing themselves. A descriptive method was used for this research and about 450 villagers were randomly selected and verbally interviewed. A questionnaire was designed and used as the instrument of the research. The research was carried out in two different villages of Asejire and Asepari. Findings were encouraging. Some of the villagers did not know about the existence of the disease even when some of their close relatives showed the symptoms. This high level of ignorance shows that it will be difficult to attain any cooperation from them in any attempt to make their environment unfavourable for the vector.

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Abstract

Most studies on Simulum damnosum in Nigeria has focused mainly on the problem of onchocerciasis from the ecological standpoint. However this study is aimed at viewing it from the human angle with focus placed on the ignorance of the rural dwellers about the influences of their environment on the increasing incidences of onchocerciasis in their population. The premise is that as the government and the scientists are working towards finding a lasting solution to the epidemic the rural dwellers need to wake up to the realities of their own destiny. They need to come out and collaborate with other good efforts to form a strong united force that will rid their society of this menace. A study on the level of ignorance was carried out. It is assumed that their ignorance has kept the villagers relatively inactive and passive about freeing themselves. A descriptive method was used for this research and about 450 villagers were randomly selected and verbally interviewed. A questionnaire was designed and used as the instrument of the research. The research was carried out in two different villages of Asejire and Asepari. Findings were encouraging. Some of the villagers did not know about the existence of the disease even when some of their close relatives showed the symptoms. This high level of ignorance shows that it will be difficult to attain any cooperation from them in any attempt to make their environment unfavourable for the vector.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Onchocerciasis
AGROVOC Term:	Simulium damnosum
AGROVOC Term:	Disease prevalence
AGROVOC Term:	Disease surveys
AGROVOC Term:	Disease transmission
AGROVOC Term:	Rural areas
AGROVOC Term:	Methodology
AGROVOC Term:	Epidemiological surveys
AGROVOC Term:	Epidemiology
AGROVOC Term:	Vectors
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/7990

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