T. Bulto et al., SKIN-LESIONS IN RESETTLED AND INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS IN GAMBELA, WITHSPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF TROPICAL ULCER, Ethiopian medical journal, 31(2), 1993, pp. 75-82
An epidemiological survey of skin lesions was conducted in 1990 in Gam
bela Resettlement Scheme, Gambela, Ethiopia, as part of health status
assessment of the resettlers. From seven resettlers and 3 indigenous v
illages, a sample population of 921 were selected by two stage random
sampling. The overall prevalence rate of skin lesions was 11.5% in the
resettlers and 16.0% in the indigenous population. The most prevalent
type of skin lesion was ulcer in the lower limbs, with an overall pre
valence rate of 6.3% and 7.4% in the resettled and indigenous populati
on, respectively. The ulcers predominantly affected males and the age
group 6 to 14 years. In this study, specific aetiology of the ulcer is
not established but its clinical and epidemiological features were mo
st compatible with those of tropical ulcer. Previous reports on leg ul
cer, from resettlement schemes in Gambela and Welega, and observations
made in refugee camps in Gambela, are also discussed.