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. 2012;13 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):7.
Epub 2012 Dec 25.

Knowledge, attitude and practices on jigger infestation among household members aged 18 to 60 years: case study of a rural location in Kenya

Bernard Kimani  1 , Josephat Nyagero, Lawrence Ikamari
Affiliations

Knowledge, attitude and practices on jigger infestation among household members aged 18 to 60 years: case study of a rural location in Kenya

Bernard Kimani et al. Pan Afr Med J. 2012.

Abstract

Introduction: Jigger infestation is an important but neglected public health problem. The study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of household members on jigger infestation, practices and control within Murang'a district, a rural location in Kenya.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Structured interview schedules and observation checklist were used to collect quantitative data. A sample size of 271 household members was interviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed and odds ratios computed at 95% confidence interval to determine variables association.

Results: On knowledge, 70.1% acknowledged poor hygiene and sanitation contributes to jigger infestation while 16.6% identified jigger flea as the cause of jigger infestation. Over half (53.9%) reported jiggers are transmissible from person to person. Majority (94.8%) identified signs and symptoms of jigger infestation. Over a quarter (23.6%) reported an infested household member and 18.8% infested persons were confirmed during the study. Many (59.8%) held the opinion that, jigger infested persons are lazy, 26.2% reported they are poor and 12% reported they either have specific blood or are from certain families. Below half (48.7%) believed in myths and misconceptions on jiggers. Majority (90.8%) reported needles/pins were the mostly used jigger removal items followed by thorns 38.7%. About two thirds (62.0%) were not aware of communal jigger prevention and control activities. The Chi-square results showed that, the village, type of house floor and compound maintenance were significantly associated with jigger infestation (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Knowledge on jigger infestation is high but this has not translated to jigger prevention and control in the area.

Keywords: Jigger infestation; household; knowledge attitude and practices.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Causes of jigger infestation (Multiple responses - Percentage exceeds 100%)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Jigger prevention and control measures (Multiple responses - Percentage exceeds 100%)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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