STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE REPORTED CASES OF ONCHOCERCIASIS (RIVER BLINDNESS) DISEASE FROM 2000-2011
ABSTRACT
Onchocerciasis is increasingly recognized as a major public health concern in endemic areas of the world, particularly in Thread Africa. (WHO 1995).
The primary goal of this study is to conduct a statistical analysis of all reported cases of onchocerciasis disease between 2000 and 2011. A study of the federal Medical Center in Abalkaliki, Ebonyi State. This study looked at the gender distribution of ochocerciasis patients from 2000 to 2011, as well as the potential number of onchocerciasis patients from 2012 to 2014. How does a person become infected? The purpose of this study was to see if the rate of occurrence of onchocerciasis differed by age group. It also looked to see if there was a gender difference in the number of reported cases.
Among
The following were the major findings:
– A total of 1686 cases were reported over the course of 12 years, with 895 of them being men. This accounts for 53.08% of the total population, with the remaining 791 cases accounting for 46.93%.
– The findings also revealed that the rate of occurrence of reported cases varies by age group.
– Males and females are equally susceptible to onchocerciasis infection.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Onchocerciasis is increasingly recognized as a major public health concern in endemic areas of the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. West Africa contains the world’s most endemic areas; Nigeria, one of the largest countries in the region, has been reported to have a high incidence of onchocerciasis infection, with 7 million people infected and 40 million at risk. Onchocerciasis is the second leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. The nematode’s endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis, is responsible for the severe inflammatory response that has rendered many people blind. Onchocerciasis affects an estimated 18 million people worldwide. Onchocerciasis is a chronic parasitic infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus, a filarial nematode. This disease is spread through
one person to another via the bites of the black fly simulium damnosum of the simulidae family (Nwoke et al, 1991), which is commonly found near streams and rivers (giving disease its common name River Blindness). The bite can sometimes introduce parasitic worms into the body. They cause severe itching, muscle pains, and weakness as they spread. When the worms reach adulthood, they attack the eyes, causing permanent blindness. From the first bite, the entire process could take up to 30 years.
One might wonder how common Onchocercasis (River Blindness) is. Onchocerciasis is currently present in 35 countries worldwide. Because it is an ancient African disease, 28 of the affected countries and more than 90% of all infected people live in Africa. With
The remainder takes place in six Latin American countries, as well as Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. Onchocerciasis has blinded 50% of men over the age of 40 in some African communities. It can be found in rural, often impoverished areas near fast-flowing rivers, rapids, and other turbulent waters where the black fly vector breeds. While the women fetch water from village wells, the men frequently fish and farm along fast-flowing rivers.
In Central and South America, onchocerciasis has become endemic, affecting 70,000 people in Guatemala and Mexico alone. Other small isolated endemic foci can be found in Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Ecuador. Because Onchocercasis can, but rarely does, transmit intrauterine, the prevalence of infection at birth is nearly zero.
and rises with age to a high plateau later in life, eventually reaching 100% in hyperedemic areas. Similarly, the intensity of infection increases with age, reaching a plateau between the ages of 30 and 50.
Variations in may cause geographical differences in disease manifestation.
a. Varieties of vector species with varying life cycles and habits.
b. Various parasite strains with varying pathology and antigenic composition.
c. The degree of susceptibility of the host(s).
1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
River blindness has resurfaced in Nigeria over the last two decades as a result of rising poverty and a lack of social amenities in rural areas. Nigeria is made up of 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, with 18 of these states representing 49 percent of the total. Abia, Anambra, Benue, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Ekiti, Edo, FCT, Imo, Kano, Kwara, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Taraba, and Zamfara are among them. Ebonyi State has the worst case in the South-East zone of these affected states.
Onchcercal skin lesions are unsightly and have a psychosocial impact on those who have them. Onchocerciasis is one of Nigeria’s five neglected diseases (i.e. Guinea worm, River Blindness, Elephantiasis, Bilharzias and leprosy).
Several African countries were at war between 1969 and 1970.
Nigeria, for example, requested assistance from the World Bank, UNDP, WHO, and USAID in order to launch control programs. In July 1970, a meeting in Geneva established an international study mission to collect and access epidemiological, economic, and other data in preparation for a multinational river-blindness control program. They discovered that 90% of onchocerciasis cases occur in Africa. In 28 African countries, including Nigeria, onchocercasis is endemic.
As part of its mass mobilization strategy, the Ebonyi state government recently enacted a program that requires a workshop in the state every year in which citizens are educated specifically on the issue of Onchocerciasis. However, the disease appears to be obstinate. The Federal Government, in collaboration with
The disease rendered the primary health care program established by the state government and non-governmental organizations null and void. The number of cases of Onchocerciasis in Ebonyi state is increasing by the day.
The improvement of citizens’ health is a significant co-factor in poverty reduction efforts. Despite this failure, the study was motivated by concerns about the ongoing rise in Onchocerciasis cases in our society. This research will also look into the causes, control measures, and solutions for eradicating onchocerciasis in a timely manner.
1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The overall goals of this study are to conduct a statistical analysis on the reported case of River Blindness (Onchocerciasis from 2000-2011 using). The specific goals are as follows:
i. From 2000 to 2011, determine the gender and age distribution of Onchocerciasis patients.
ii. Determine whether there is a difference between male and female reported cases.
iii. Determine whether the number of River blindness cases is the same across age groups.
iv. Estimate the number of Onchocerciasis patients in the years 2012-2014.
v. Learn about Onchocerciasis, including risk factors, symptoms, and control measures.
vi. Based on the findings, make appropriate recommendations.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
There is a pressing need for this type of research to be conducted for the following reasons:
a. There is a strong hope that the information gathered by this study will assist the government and non-governmental organizations in identifying potential cases in the near future.
b. It will aid in addressing one of Ebonyi State Ministry of Health’s major challenges, which is accurate data on Onchocerciasis.
c. As statisticians, we will assist the government in conducting a thorough analysis of the current nature and status of Onchocerciasis in Ebonyi State.
d. This study will produce findings on current intervention strategies and provide an invaluable perspective to the current generation, which will serve as a guide for health planners and managers.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESIS
RESEARCH QUESTION 1:
What is the gender and age distribution of Onchocerciasis patients from 2000 to 2011?
QUESTION 2 OF THE RESEARCH:
What is the estimated number of Onchocerciasis patients between 2012 and 2014?
STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS
HO: The rate of occurrence of river blindness is the same across all age groups.
HA: The occurrence rate varies according to age group.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Based on the disease’s targeted objectives, the study will limit its analysis to Ebonyi state. The data collected for this study may or may not represent the total number of Onchocerciasis patients, but rather the number of occurrences within a given locality during a specified time period as recorded in the hospital records.
The materials used in the River blindness test or diagnosis, such as chemicals, apparatus, specimens, and other laboratory agents and catalysts, are somewhat beyond the scope of this research. Although necessary, it was constrained by the statistical approach. The bibliography in chapter five of this work highlights you more in the stated field for more information.
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The following are the issues associated with data collection:
The data was not originally gathered and saved for the purpose of this study. As a result, the researcher had to spend a significant amount of time arranging the data to suit his work.
The researcher had to go through a series of interrogations before the data was released. This data was difficult to collect due to what officials called confidentiality.
The transportation cost associated with data collection cannot be overstated, as can the primary users’ unbearable altitude.
Another issue that is associated with data is its reliability. However, because most onchocerciasis patients do not report or complain to the public, any
Anyone who hears it can pass on the solution or control techniques. As a result, their cases may go unrecorded. Second, those who have made their cases public may not receive an answer; instead, they take their cases to native doctors, who may not provide an answer or keep a record of such cases.
As a result of all of this, this study is based on reported cases of river blindness in Ebonyi State.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Blindness is defined as a lack of visual perception caused by physiological or neurological factors.
Epidemiology is the scientific study of disease spread and control.
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