People with onchocerciasis or lymphatic filariasis often develop disabilities and severe health problems due to the chronic nature of these diseases and their late detection in hard-to-reach areas. This study determined the prevalence, pattern and predictors of disability among persons affected by these neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 individuals affected by onchocerciasis or lymphatic filariasis in hard-to-reach LGAs of Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to select high-burden and co-endemic hard-to-reach LGAs. Disability status was assessed using the Washington Group Short Set of Questions. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to characterize associations with disability. The level of statistical significance was determined at p-value < 0.05. The mean age of respondents was 56.6 ± 19.9 years and females were 156 (41.5%). The prevalence of disability was 24.7%. (95%CI = 20.3%-29.1%). The most prevalent disabilities were visual 75 (20%), mobility 24 (6.4%), and then self-care, 11 (3%). Factors associated with disability included being < 50 years, (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.5), having no formal education, (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI 1.7–8.3) and being unemployed, (AOR = 3.5, 95%CI 1.9–6.6). Findings reveal a substantial burden of disability affecting 1 in 4 persons affected by Onchocerciasis or Lymphatic Filariasis in hard-to-reach areas. Targeted morbidity management and disability-inclusive programs are urgently needed, with priority given to older adults, the unemployed, and people with no formal education in underserved communities, to reduce the socio-economic factors that worsen the impact of NTDs.
Murphy-Okpala et al. (Sun,) studied this question.