Prevalence of disability and associated factors among persons affected by onchocerciasis or lymphatic filariasis in hard to reach areas of Enugu State southeast Nigeria

Abstract

People with onchocerciasis or lymphatic filariasis often develop disabilities and severe health problems due to the chronic nature of these diseases and their late detection in hard-to-reach areas. This study determined the prevalence, pattern and predictors of disability among persons affected by these neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 individuals affected by onchocerciasis or lymphatic filariasis in hard-to-reach LGAs of Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to select high-burden and co-endemic hard-to-reach LGAs. Disability status was assessed using the Washington Group Short Set of Questions. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to characterize associations with disability. The level of statistical significance was determined at p-value < 0.05. The mean age of respondents was 56.6 ± 19.9 years and females were 156 (41.5%). The prevalence of disability was 24.7%. (95%CI = 20.3%-29.1%). The most prevalent disabilities were visual 75 (20%), mobility 24 (6.4%), and then self-care, 11 (3%). Factors associated with disability included being < 50 years, (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.5), having no formal education, (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI 1.7–8.3) and being unemployed, (AOR = 3.5, 95%CI 1.9–6.6). Findings reveal a substantial burden of disability affecting 1 in 4 persons affected by Onchocerciasis or Lymphatic Filariasis in hard-to-reach areas. Targeted morbidity management and disability-inclusive programs are urgently needed, with priority given to older adults, the unemployed, and people with no formal education in underserved communities, to reduce the socio-economic factors that worsen the impact of NTDs.