Zaharaddeen G Habib1, Auwalu S Salihu1, Muhammad Hamza2, Ahmad M Yakasai3, Garba Iliyasu2, Ibrahim M Yola4, Mustafa I Gudaji1, Saidu B Abubakar5, Abdulrazaq G Habib2. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Bayero University Kano/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. 2. Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Bayero University Kano/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. 3. Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Public Health and Diagnostic Institute, College of Medical Sciences, Northwest University Kano, Kano, Nigeria. 4. Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria. 5. Snakebite Ward, Kaltungo General Hospital, Kaltungo, Gombe, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Snakebite is a major public health problem among impoverished rural populations causing considerable morbidity and mortality in West Africa. Despite the huge burden of snakebite in this region, psycho-social impairment following snakebite has not been evaluated. In this study, we assessed for features of posttraumatic stress disorder and psycho-social impairment among rural snakebite victims in Northeastern Nigeria. METHODS: Individuals with previous snakebite managed in our facility, defined as exposed to snakebite, and their matched relatives not exposed to snakebite were invited to participate in the study following community mobilization. A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating the presence of psycho-social functioning, posttraumatic stress disorder, quality of life, social disability, cognitive impairment, and psychological morbidity using standard tools administered by the investigators, trained nurses, and community health workers. RESULTS: The prevalence of features of posttraumatic stress disorder among those exposed to snakebite compared to those not exposed to snakebite was 43% and 28%, respectively (risk ratio = 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-2.24; p = 0.024). Subjects exposed to snakebite had significantly poorer quality of life score in the psychological and social domains (p < 0.05). Other psycho-social complications associated with snakebite were impaired family/school functioning and psychological morbidity. No difference in cognitive functioning was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Snakebite is complicated by features of posttraumatic stress disorder, poor quality of life, and psycho-social impairments in northeastern Nigeria. Detection, monitoring, and appropriate management interventions should be provided and made more accessible to snakebite victims to ameliorate mental and psychological impairment.
BACKGROUND: Snakebite is a major public health problem among impoverished rural populations causing considerable morbidity and mortality in West Africa. Despite the huge burden of snakebite in this region, psycho-social impairment following snakebite has not been evaluated. In this study, we assessed for features of posttraumatic stress disorder and psycho-social impairment among rural snakebite victims in Northeastern Nigeria. METHODS: Individuals with previous snakebite managed in our facility, defined as exposed to snakebite, and their matched relatives not exposed to snakebite were invited to participate in the study following community mobilization. A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating the presence of psycho-social functioning, posttraumatic stress disorder, quality of life, social disability, cognitive impairment, and psychological morbidity using standard tools administered by the investigators, trained nurses, and community health workers. RESULTS: The prevalence of features of posttraumatic stress disorder among those exposed to snakebite compared to those not exposed to snakebite was 43% and 28%, respectively (risk ratio = 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-2.24; p = 0.024). Subjects exposed to snakebite had significantly poorer quality of life score in the psychological and social domains (p < 0.05). Other psycho-social complications associated with snakebite were impaired family/school functioning and psychological morbidity. No difference in cognitive functioning was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Snakebite is complicated by features of posttraumatic stress disorder, poor quality of life, and psycho-social impairments in northeastern Nigeria. Detection, monitoring, and appropriate management interventions should be provided and made more accessible to snakebite victims to ameliorate mental and psychological impairment.
Entities:
Keywords:
posttraumatic stress disorder; psycho-social impairment; quality of life; snakebite
Authors: Leslie Mawuli Aglanu; John Humphrey Amuasi; Bob A Schut; Jonathan Steinhorst; Alexis Beyuo; Chrisantus Danaah Dari; Melvin Katey Agbogbatey; Emmanuel Steve Blankson; Damien Punguyire; David G Lalloo; Jörg Blessmann; Kabiru Mohammed Abass; Robert A Harrison; Ymkje Stienstra Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2022-05-23
Authors: Gabriel Alcoba; Julien Potet; Renaud Vatrinet; Saschveen Singh; Carolina Nanclares; Alexandra Kruse; Margriet Den Boer; Lucas Molfino; Koert Ritmeijer Journal: Toxicon X Date: 2021-12-18
Authors: Peter S Larson; Morris Ndemwa; Aleksandra F Thomas; Noriko Tamari; Paul Diela; Mwatasa Changoma; Abdullatif Mohamed; Miles C Larson; Kaan Cem Ketenci; Kensuke Goto; Satoshi Kaneko Journal: Trop Med Health Date: 2022-04-29