Knowledge, attitude and practices on lymphatic filariasis among the residents of Argungu local government area, Kebbi state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted in Argungu L.G.A which was endemic for lymphatic filariasis. It reports the knowledge, attitude and practices of the inhabitants regarding the cause, transmission, treatment and prevention as well as economic consequences of lymphatic filariasis. The study was conducted between January and April 2018. It is descriptive, cross – sectional and both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted. The results obtained revealed that knowledge about the cause, transmission and prevention of the disease among the respondents was poor. Some attributed the cause to act of God (50.3%) some (16.29% ) to witchcraft while 12.0%, 9.3%, 10.7% and 1.3% blames stepping on charm, contaminated water, lack of personal hygiene and guinea worm respectively. Many who were interviewed believed that prevention should be linked to spiritual and supernatural concepts. However, they demonstrated high awareness of its Socio-Economic implications and agreed it has negative consequences on marriage. Majority of the sufferers (18(69.2%)) patronize both traditional medicine dealers and orthodox and few (3(11.5%)) use orthodox drug89t It was concluded that knowledge about the cause, transmission and prevention of the disease among the resident was poor and the financial and psychological burden was deep. Health education on the overall cake and consequences of the disease is recommended.