Age-prevalence studies of onchocerciasis in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State of Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Age-prevalence studies of onchocerciasis in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State of Nigeria
Author:	Saporu, F.W.O.
Year:	1988
Periodical:	Annals of Borno
Volume:	5
Pages:	211-223
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Nigeria Northern Nigeria
Subject:	blindness
Abstract:	Of all areas of Borno State, Nigeria, onchocerciasis is most prevalent in Biu Local Government Area. Age-prevalence data from this area are analysed using statistical techniques. The socioeconomic impact of the disease is quantified using actuarian methods. The results show that in this local government area 1) most villages are mesoendemic; 2) sex has marginal effect on the prevalence of the disease in most of the villages examined; 3) age is not the only important epidemiological factor, others not being identified because of inappropriate data; 4) the average age at incidence of infection is between 7 and 48 years; and 5) no clear pattern emerges in quantifying the economic costs of the disease. It is suggested that the adoption of age-specific and sex-dependent cost constants might differentiate between the costs in areas with low levels of endemicity and those in areas with high levels of endemicity. Bibliogr.