Age and sex differences in new and recurrent cases of guinea worm disease in Nigeria.
In this population-based cross-sectional survey of the prevalence and incidence of guinea worm disease in Idere, a rural agricultural community of Oyo state in Nigeria, epidemiological data were collected by household interview of all 501 households (6527 persons, 3594 females and 2933 males). 86% of the households had at least one case. The prevalence was 32.4% in the overall population, but varied markedly by age and sex. About 10% of prevalent cases were first-time infections or new cases. Males over 19 years of age had a higher prevalence rate than adult females; however, females had a higher prevalence rate at younger ages. The prevalence in females peaked (47%) at 35 to 44 years; for males the proportion was highest (57%) at ages 45 to 54 years.
Ilegbodu
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VA
School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 77225-0186.
Christensen
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BL
Wise
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RA
Kale
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O
Steele
J H
JH
Chambers
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LA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004320:Dracunculiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D012008:Recurrence; D012737:Sex Factors