Abstract:

Background: Tungiasis is an endemic but neglected health problem in Tanzania especially in resource poor Communities. It is largely affecting rural communities in the west and northern regions. This study assessed prevalence, risk factors and management practice regarding Tungiasis in Kibondo district, western Tanzania.

Methods: This was cross sectional study that used questionnaire to find out how Tungiasis is managed from 240 households in two villages. Pupil’s feet were examined for tunga fleas from 3 primary schools in these villages. Prevalence of Tungiasis was defined as presence of Tunga flea in the skin of any pupil at the time of data collection.

Results: The prevalence of Tungiasis was 28.6% in the overall population of pupils. Various animals were domesticated in homes, 64.7% had goats, 0.32% had dogs, 1.34% had dogs, 2.61% had cows, 0.1% had ducks, 26.1% had chicken, 0.1% had sheep, and 4.73% had mixed domestication. 97% wore shoes at school, of these 83.7% were open. 83.9% reported to wear shoes while at home, of these 99.1% were open. 100% of the pupils go to school on foot. In most cases attempts to extract embedded fleas were made with pins (45.4%), thorns (because it is the most available instrument), 22.5% and needles (7.9%). 10.8% said that they never give any post-tunga care.

Conclusion: Tungiasis is still a prevalent health problem in rural communities Kibonndo district due to a number of individual (host) and environmental factors. Improvement of sanitation and hygiene is an important prerequisite towards prevention of T. penetrans.