Dermatology Research: SkinInsights
Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Ivermectin use for Lymphatic Filariasis Among Eligible Civil Servant in Kaduna State
Abstract
Joseph Ashaolu and Umar Salisu
Background This research study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Ivermectin in treating Lymphatic Filariasis among eligible civil servants in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Lymphatic Filariasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through mosquito bites, causing debilitating symptoms such as lymphedema and elephantiasis. Ivermectin has shown promise in treating various parasitic infections, including Lymphatic Filariasis. However, its efficacy and safety profile specifically in the context of civil servants in Kaduna State remain understudied.
Method The research study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data on treatment outcomes and qualitative insights on the experiences of participants. The study also assessed the impact of Ivermectin treatment on the quality of life and productivity of study participants. The hypothesis for this study was tested using chi-square analyses.
Result The largest age group (35%) falls between 36 and 45 years old. There is a significant drop in the percentage of respondents in the younger age group (5%) and a smaller decrease in the 26-35 and 46-55 age groups (23% and 30%, respectively). It was observed that only age and years of service are the factors statistically significant with filariasis while sex and educational qualification remained insignificant. The implication of this result is that not all socio-demographic factors depict the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis. Age (p=0.001) was seen to be the greatest determining factor of prevalence of lymphatic filariasis. Furthermore, Years of service also determines the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis, this was established by the p value=0.034 while gender is weak factor in determining the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (p=0.058). Year of service (p=0.000) was seen to score the highest in the test of Ivermectin administration comes with significant safety profile among eligible civil servants of Kaduna State, followed by Age factor (value=0.006). Finding from this study indicates the greater number of 230 (71%) of the total sample, have ever taken Ivermectin for lymphatic filariasis in contrast to 93 (29%) of the total sample, who have never taken Ivermectin for lymphatic filariasis due to one reason or the other. However, 189 (59%) of the total sample were aware of the potential side effects of Ivermectin while134 (41%) of the total sample, were not aware of the potential side effects of Ivermectin. A majority (69%) of respondents reported being aware of some contraindications or precautions for taking Ivermectin from either health care providers or public health campaigns.
Conclusion Findings from this research will contribute to the existing knowledge on the use of Ivermectin for Lymphatic Filariasis and help inform healthcare practices in Kaduna State