Self care groups and ulcer prevention in Okegbala, Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of the three self-care Groups on ulcer prevalence and readmission rates in Okegbala hospital.


METHODS
A retrospective, descriptive study. The evaluation combined four data collection methods namely (i) records survey, (ii) semi-structured interviews of individual members of self-care groups, (iii) group discussions and (iv) key informant interviews.


RESULTS
Record surveys show that the ulcer prevalence has decreased by almost 75% since the adoption of the self-care group; admissions to hospital for ulcer care have reduced, and the mean interval between admissions has increased by 7 months. Semi structured interviews and group discussions show that all members have a greater sense of control of their ulcers and general health; and that self-care groups have a potential of catalysing community solidarity and development.


CONCLUSIONS
This small study shows that self-care groups are valuable for reducing ulcers and giving members a greater sense of control of their ulcers and general health resulting in fewer hospital admissions. We recommend a multi-centre, controlled, prospective study incorporating different settings (e.g. urban, rural, near hospitals, within field leprosy programmes) to test these findings. Such a study has the potential of influencing policy and health-service reorientation of ulcer care in future.
Ebenso
Jannine
J
The Leprosy Mission International, 80 Windmill Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 0QH, UK. JannineE@tlmint.org
Muyiwa
Lawrence T
LT
Ebenso
Bassey E
BE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015440:Leprosy, Lepromatous / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*