IVERMECTIN-BASED CONTROL OF ONCHOCERCIASIS IN NORTHERN CAMEROON - INDIVIDUAL FACTORS INFLUENCING PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY TREATMENT

A study aimed at determining individual factors associated with partic ipation in community treatment with ivermectin was conducted in a vill age hyperendemic for onchocerciasis in northern Cameroon. The respecti ve influences of sex, age, place of residence, distance between the co mpound and the dosing point, compound size, and participation in treat ment by authoritative individuals in the compound was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Participation in treatment was c losely associated with the attitude of the compound heads. Participati on of compound heads in treatment increased as the household size incr eased, and as the distance to the distribution point diminished. This may be explained by the fact that getting information on health progra mmes is easier in large households whose members are involved in vario us social activities, and in compounds located near the village centre . Staff involved in health education should take this issue into accou nt, and try to ensure circulation of information particularly to those living in small or remote compounds.