Factors Associated with Yaws Infections in the West Akim Municipality, Ghana
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2017, Vol 22, Issue 3
Abstract
Objectives: Yaws, caused by the spiral-shaped bacterium (spirochete) Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue is a contagious, non-venereal infection in humans that presents mainly in children below 15 years old and primarily affects the skin, bones and cartilage. Despite the implementation of the strategy of mass drug treatment in West Akim Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana in the past, there is indication of resurgence of the disease. This study seeks to determine factors associated with resurgence of infection with yaws amongst residents. Study Design: It is an un-matched community-based case-control study. Methods: A standardized questionnaire was administered to the cases and controls as they were detected in the communities by trained data collection officers. Trained Community Based Volunteers moved from house to house for active case search and examined skin lesions. Data on education, occupation, religion and risk factors for yaws were analyzed using Epi-Info version 7 and Excel statistical software packages. Results: The mean age of the cases and controls was 9.28 and 9.1 years respectively. The cases were seventy (70) times more likely to have played with yaws cases as compared to the controls [Odds Ratio= 70; 95% CI (8.97-546.56), p-value= 0.000], likewise cases were more likely to have slept in same room with yaws cases. Sharing clothing with yaws case was significantly associated with being a yaws case [OR= 25; 95% CI, (3.12-204.69); p-value 0.0001]. Adjusting for age, overcrowding was significantly associated with yaws infection [Adjusted OR (MH); 2.8; 95% CI; 1.3-5.95.0; p-Value; 0.014]. Conclusions: The significant association of having contact with yaws infected person and overcrowded homes with yaws requires to take measures to prevent contact with yaws infected persons in addition to early detection and treatment of yaws cases.
Authors and Affiliations
Emmanuel Dzotsi, Nsiiri Agana, Sally-Ann Ohene, Michael Adjabeng, Abdul Aziz, John Kofi Odoom
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP310720
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2017/32425
- Views 88
- Downloads 0
Blister and Bulla Following Snake Bite in Nigeria: A Prospective Cohort Study
Introduction: Snakebites are a major health problem in several rural areas of tropical countries worldwide. Timely administration of appropriate antivenoms (AV) has been shown to significantly improve outcome. It has bee...
Health System Barriers and Facilitators Influencing TB/HIV Integration in Ghana
Introduction: A quarter of all TB cases in Ghana were HIV-positive at the end of 2012. The integration of TB and HIV services is anticipated to improve patient access to comprehensive care. Key health system components...
Challenges of Malaria Diagnosis in Paediatric Patients at a Nigerian Hospital
Aims: This study compares the performance of routine malaria diagnostic tests, and explores the challenges of malaria diagnosis in paediatric patients in an endemic setting in South West Nigeria. Study Design: Cross sec...
The Association between Hepatitis B Virus and Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Sudanese Patients in Gezira State Sudan
The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is steadily increasing worldwide. According to the Globocan 2008, NHL is ranked as the 12th most common cancer worldwide and the 4th most common cancer in Sudan. Sudan is ende...
Promotion of Health in Self-efficacy, to Reduce Tobacco Consumption in Young Adults
Aim: The objective was determinate the effect of intervention on the self-efficacy and tobacco intake, to decrease smoking in young adults. Study Design: Study interventional. Place and Duration of the Study: Juventino...