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Your search keyword '"David Kitara, Lagoro"' showing total 2 results
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2 results on '"David Kitara, Lagoro"'

1. Nodding syndrome (NS) and Onchocerca Volvulus (OV) in Northern Uganda

Author

David Kitara Lagoro and Denis Anywar Arony

Subjects
nodding syndrome, onchocerca volvulus, uganda, gulu, Medicine
Abstract

Nodding Syndrome (NS) is a childhood neurological disorder characterized by atonic seizures, cognitive decline, school dropout, muscle weakness, thermal dysfunction, wasting and stunted growth. There are recent published information suggesting associations between Nodding Syndrome (NS) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) VGKC antibodies and serum leiomidin-1 antibody cross reacting with Onchocerca Volvulus (OV). These findings suggest a neuro-inflammatory cause of NS and they are important findings in the search for the cause of Nodding Syndrome. These observations perhaps provide further, the unique explanation for the association between Nodding Syndrome and Onchocerca Volvulus. Many clinical and epidemiological studies had shown a significant correlation between NS and infestation with a nematode, Onchocerca volvulus which causes a disease, Onchocerciasis, some of which when left untreated can develop visual defect ("River Blindness"). While these studies conducted in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan indicate a statistically significant association with (OV infection (using positive skin snips), we observe that (OV is generally endemic in many parts of Sub Saharan Africa and Latin America and that to date, no NS cases have been recorded in those regions. This letter to the Editor is to provide additional information on the current view about the relationship between Nodding Syndrome and Onchocerca Volvulus as seen in Northern Uganda.

Published
2017
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2. Is the glass half full or half empty? A qualitative exploration on treatment practices and perceived barriers to biomedical care for patients with nodding syndrome in post-conflict northern Uganda

Author

Rachel Oriyabuzu, Jane Ruth Aceng, Byamah Brian Mutamba, Richard Idro, Elialilia S. Okello, Assuman Lukwago, Catherine Abbo, Amos Deogratius Mwaka, Willy Olango, Francis Okot Odwong, John Wilson Etolu, David Kitara Lagoro, Stella Neema, and Bernard Opar

Subjects
Male, Warfare, medicine.medical_specialty, Nodding syndrome, Cross-sectional study, Alternative medicine, Civil conflict, Help-seeking, Health Services Accessibility, General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Medical syncretism, Nonprobability sampling, medicine, Humans, Uganda, Child, Qualitative Research, Medicine(all), Traditional medicine, Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all), Nodding Syndrome, business.industry, Public health, General Medicine, Focus group, Cross-Sectional Studies, Transportation of Patients, Family medicine, Barriers to health seeking, Female, business, Research Article, Qualitative research
Abstract

Background Nodding syndrome has increasingly become an issue of public health concern internationally. The etiology of the disorder is still unknown and there are yet no curative treatments. We explored perceptions about treatment practices and barriers to health seeking for nodding syndrome in Pader and Kitgum districts in northern Uganda in order to provide data necessary for informing policy on treatment adherence and rehabilitations. Methods We used focus group discussions and individual interviews to gain deep insights into help-seeking and treatment practices for nodding syndrome. Purposive sampling was used to identify information-rich participants that included village health teams, community members not directly affected with nodding syndrome, district leaders, healthcare professionals, and caregivers of children affected with nodding syndrome. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze data and presented findings under distinct categories and themes. Results Caregivers and communities sought care from multiple sources including biomedical facilities, traditional healers, traditional rituals from shrines, and spiritual healing. Nodding syndrome affected children reportedly have showed no enduring improvement with traditional medicines, traditional rituals, and prayers. A substantial minority of participants reported minimal improvements in symptoms of convulsions with use of western medicines. Challenges involved in health seeking included; (1) health system factors e.g. long distances to facilities, frequent unavailability of medicines, few healthcare providers, and long waiting times; (2) contextual and societal challenges e.g. lack of money for transport and medical bills, overburdening nature of the illness that does not allow time for other activities, and practical difficulties involved in transporting the physically deformed and mentally retarded children to the health facilities. Conclusions Help-seeking for nodding syndrome is pluralistic and include use of traditional and biomedical practices. Western medicines admittedly showed at least short term control on nodding syndrome symptoms, especially convulsions and led in a few cases to regain of functional abilities. However, multiple barriers hinder health seeking and interfere with adherence to biomedical treatments. Regarding cure, there are hitherto no treatments participants perceive cure nodding syndrome.

Published
2015
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