Social Demographic Factors Influencing the Prevalence of High Tungiasis Infestation among Kilifi Residents, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine social demographic factors influencing the prevalence of high tungiasis infestation among Kilifi Residents, Kenya Methodology: Cross sectional study design was used to carry out the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data on the social demographic factors associated with high tungiasis infestation from 184 participants with tungiasis. Data was analyzed using R. Statistical software versions (R v3.4.4). Data was presented in frequency tables. Findings: From the findings; living in mud walled house (OR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.3, 7.14; p < 0.05), schooling in earthen and dusty floor classrooms for school going children (OR 35.00; CI: 9.15,113.8; p < 0.05), living with domestic animals under one roof (OR 3.43; 95% CI: 1.03 ,12.81; p < 0.05) and jiggers mechanical extraction using thorns (OR 7.13, 95% CI: 1.76, 36.43; p > 0.05) were the most important independent risk factors for higher jigger infestation Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that enhanced efforts to further understand the infection and other routes of potential elimination would greatly consolidate government efforts for universal basic education in the country in line with the SDGs.