CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Onchocerciasis is an infection caused by the Onchocerca volvulus worm which is spread to humans through the bite of an infected blackfly. It is a leading cause of blindness in some countries and is be lieved to infect over 17 million people worldwide (World Health Organization , 2008). Infection can cause dermatitis with severe itching, eye disease including blindness, and the formation of nodules in the skin.
In recent decades, Onchocerciasis has struck 18 million people worldwide, and accounts for nearly a tenth of all ca ses of blindness (World Health Organization , 2008). The vast majority of cases of river blindness are in Sub-Sahara Africa, where nearly 30 countries have been affected (World Health O rganization, 2008). Onchocerciasis is a major public health problem in many parts of the world. All reported cases result from emigration of individuals from endemic areas. (Crosskey, 1998)
The presence of Onchocerciasis has been reported in Africa.
These observations were confirmed in 1917 and 1920 by researchers. Then in 1995 an estim ated 270,000 people were blind and another 500,000 had severe visual impair ment as a result of the disease (World Health Organization, 2007). The disease is found in east central and West Africa. In West Africa regions where the disease has reached hyperendemic proportions, over 100,000 persons were blind or had their eye sight seriously impared (World Health Organization , 2006). In Nigeria alone over 50% of identified hospital cases of filarial infection were cases of Onchocerciasis is endemic in Oji River Local Government Area.
In Achi, a town in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu state, 68% prevalence rate with a density of 24.9% microfilaria per mg of skin was reported (Nwoke, 1990).
This study emphasizes the implications of Onchocerciasis on the health conditions and socio-economic life in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

1.1 1 Statement of Problem

The high incidence of serious visual impairment and blindness, skin rashes, lesions and intense itching and depigmentation of the skin of many inhabitants of Oji River L.G.A attracted the interest of the researcher. In Oji Local Government Area of Enugu State, there is a high incidence of serious visual impairment and blindness. In severe cases the patients are infected with Onchocerca volvolus which manifest under skin as nodules (Ochocercoma) hanging and enlarged groins. This condition has affected most of the indigenes , particularly farmers, who have to abandon their fertile farmlands due to severe illness or visual impairment, which in very extreme cases lead to blindness. The socio-economic fabric of the area is affected as many of the inhabitants , including youths , and adults, resort to begging.
In Oji River, onchocerciasis can be considered as an occupational disease. Most of the risk areas are Achi and Ugwuoba who are exposed to the bites of black flies while going about their daily chores where black flies breed, or are common. The occupational group includes farme rs, fishermen, cattle herdsmen or people who live near rivers, which are the breeding sites. The majority are aware of the disease which they recognized once their body starts itching or muscular skeletal pains develops, while some attributed chronic itching, nodules, bad vision and leopard skin to blakfly bite. In the southern part of Nigeria, ochocerciasis occurs in areas where savannah and forest regions merge. Therefore, in view of these, the researcher decided to embark on this s tudy. The implications of onchocerciasis on the health conditions and socio -economic activities in Oji River L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria.

1.2 Research Questions

1. What percentage of the population are affected by onchocerciasis?
2. What is the impact of th e incidence of onchocerciasis on the health of the inhabitants?
3. What is the relationship between the incidence of onchocerciasis and sex, age, and education?
4. How does the incidence of onchocerciasis affect the income level of household?
5. How does the incidence of onchocerciasis related to the type of occupation in the study area?

1.3 Aims and Objectives

The aim of the study is to investigate the implications of onchocerciasis on the Health conditions and Socio-economic activities in Oji River L.G.A of E nugu State . In doing this, the following form the objectives of the study which are to:
1. determine the percentage of the inhabitants affected by incidence of the onchocerciasis in the study area.
2. determine the health impact of the incidence of onchocerciasis in the two communities of the study area.
3. determine the relationship between income, occupation, education and the infected population.
4. identify how the incidence of onchocerciasis affect the income levels (earnings) of people in Oji River L.G.A.
5. establish the relation to type of occupation of the inhabitants.

1.4 Research Hypotheses

The study tested the following hypotheses
1. Ho: There is no significant difference in the incidence of onchocerciasis in fection between Achi and Ugwuoba.
2. Ho: The incidence of onchocerciasis is not related to (1) Gender (2) Age (3) Level of education (4) Income levels of household and occupation.

1.5 Conceptual Framework

This work is based on the concept of sustainable livelihoods. In the 80s and 90s the conc ept of “sustainability” found their way into all discussions concerning the present and future exploitation of our resource, economic development in general and many other topics. As Wolf (1995) said that the word “sustainability” does not mean very much and its meaning is very vague and uncertain until it is attached to an object. As such sustainability is defined in different ways depending on the origin, point of view etc of the person using the concept. The concept begins to take shape only when it is u sed in connection with an object or something concrete. He therefore argues that the first thing to do is to establish in what area or for what object sustainability is to be achieved. This is because the concept is used increasingly in conjunction with a specific object, e.g. sustainable resource use, sustainable agriculture, sustainable growth rates or sustainable development among others etc.
Kuhmen (1992) argues that sustainability means fundamental survival, keeping the community alive. To achieve this, the main requirement is sufficient food through agriculture with the help of increased means of production and greater efficiency in production. Attempts are made to meet the demand
e.g. O.F.N, Green Revolution etc. in Nigeria. Conservation of the productive basis is seldom or at best considered second. He then argues that sustainability means ecological ly acceptable production whereby everything removed is then replaced so as not to harm the ecological system.
The implication of this is that both the life of man and the resources he depend on must be adequately sustained. This means sustainable livelihood.