The prevalence and endemicity of dracunculiasis in Akowide village, Oyo State, Nigeria.

An epidemiological assessment of the prevalence and endemicity of guinea-worm infection at Akowide village in Oyo State, Nigeria was carried out between September 1986 and August 1987. A total of 325 people were interviewed and examined during the period. The data obtained were analysed to show the relationship between the prevalence of the disease and the population structure in the affected community. Overall, about 15% of persons in the village were infected. The rate of infection was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in children (less than 20 years of age) than in adults (20 years of age and above). Among men, it was highest (29%) within the age groups of 20-24 and 45-49 years, while the highest rate among females (30%) was among the age group of 10-14 years of age. In the 0-14 and 30-44 years age groups the average rate of infection was higher in females (21.1 +/- 8.1%) than in males (13.9 +/- 6.1%), while in the age groups of 15-29 and 45 years and above the average rate of infection was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in males (23.4 +/- 4.7%) than in females (14.8 +/- 2.9%). The severity and duration of incapacitation was high (63%) among the affected persons, and the disease was found to have serious detrimental effects on the socio-economic life of this village.