SKIN-LESIONS IN RESETTLED AND INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS IN GAMBELA, WITHSPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF TROPICAL ULCER

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.