FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SNAKE BITE AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG RESIDENTS OF KALTUNGO LGA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SNAKE BITE AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG RESIDENTS OF KALTUNGO LGA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract:

Snakebite is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with an annual incidence of about 497 cases per 100,000 populations, in Nigeria. Studies revealed that only about 8.5% Nigerian snakebite victims sought treatment in hospitals. The aim is to identify the factors associated with snakebite and assess the health seeking behavior among residents of Kaltungo LGA. This Cross sectional study used structured questionnaire to elicit relevant information from adult victims of snakebite, heads of households (or next most senior member) in households with history of snakebites involving someone below the age of 18 years, and in households without history of snakebite. A multi-stage sampling technique was used. A total of 422 households were visited. Majority of the respondents had either secondary or post secondary education [169 (40.0%) and 162 (38.4%) respectively] . From those 422 households visited (containing 961 people), a total of 191 snakebites were reported (Prevalence of 19.9%). However, only 142 snakebite victims were traced and interviewed. Of the 142 snakebite victims interviewed, 78 (54.9%) were males. About 40.8% snakebites occurred on farms and farming was the commonly engaged activity, 50 (35.2%), at the times of bites. Those who processed palmyra palm were 310 (73.5%). Males were 1.6 times more at risk. People with educational level below secondary school were 1.8 times at risk of snakebite. Similarly, people who processed Palmyra palm fruits were about two times more likely to be bitten by snakes. Generally, 47.2% of respondents first patronized local medicine vendors when sick, while 29.6% ignored it until it became very severe. However, among the snakebite victims, 64.3% accessed health-care within 2 hours after the bite. Snakebite is still a public health problem in Kaltungo LGA. Significant associated factors found were; Male sex, Not attaining educational level up to secondary school level, and Processing Palmyra palm fruits. About 60% of the snakebite victims sought treatment in Hospital.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SNAKE BITE AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG RESIDENTS OF KALTUNGO LGA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA