Use of footwear and foot condition among rural Ethiopian school children

Watanabe, Emi; McBride, Colleen M.; Tora, Abebayehu; Ayode, Desta; Farrell, David; Davey, Gail

doi:10.1016/j.jegh.2014.06.001

Cited by 9 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…We may therefore have underestimated the extent to which some children are barefoot outside of school and at risk of acquiring tungiasis. A previous study of schoolchildren in rural Ethiopia reported that 54% stated they consistently wore footwear in the three days prior to being interviewed[ 23 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is plausible that larvae may develop from eggs shed by gravid female fleas and complete their life-cycle within the shoe resulting in an increased risk of further infestation. Previous studies have shown that, despite wearing closed shoes, soil was still adherent to the feet and the inside of shoes of 50% of children in Ethiopia[ 23 ] and other authors have emphasised the need to keep shoes and socks free from eggs and larvae[ 13 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The prevalence and association with health-related quality of life of tungiasis and scabies in schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia

et al. 2017

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BackgroundThe prevalence of skin disease in low and middle income countries is high and communicable skin diseases are a significant public health problem. Tungiasis is an ectoparasite infestation caused by the flea Tunga penetrans, which has a widespread geographical distribution. Tungiasis causes painful skin lesions and may affect activities of daily living.ObjectiveWe wished to determine the prevalence and impact of tungiasis and scabies in schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in which students were examined by dermatologists and the skin disorders recorded. Individuals with pyogenic skin infections, scabies and tungiasis were also invited to complete the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index.ResultsThere was a high burden of skin disease amongst this cohort with more than 40% having an ectodermal parasitic skin disease. The majority of these were due to tungiasis. Tungiasis was evident in more than a third of children and was associated with onychodystophy. There was a significant association between wearing “closed” footwear and a greater number of tungiasis lesions but not tungiasis per se. Dermatophyte infections, acne and plantar maceration secondary to occlusive footwear were also common.Scabies and tungiasis appeared to have a significant negative effect on quality of life.ConclusionTungiasis is highly prevalent in schoolchildren in the part of Ethiopia where the study was conducted and is associated with a deleterious effect on quality of life. The role of footwear in both preventing and possibly exacerbating cutaneous ailments in this setting requires further study.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The prevalence and association with health-related quality of life of tungiasis and scabies in schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia

et al. 2017

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“… 3 4 Available evidence indicates that podoconiosis is preventable if individuals consistently use footwear and begin doing so early in life. 5–8 Footwear is also associated with low prevalence of other soil-transmitted diseases, 8 and has been shown to prevent the recurrence of attacks of adenolymphangitis among patients with lymphoedema 9 and to reduce foot complications in other diseases such as diabetes. 10 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 5 7 Inconsistent use of footwear is associated with increased risk of acquiring soil-transmitted and foot-related disease. 1 8 11–15 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Why should I worry, since I have healthy feet?’ A qualitative study exploring barriers to use of footwear among rural community members in northern Ethiopia

et al. 2016

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ObjectiveTo explore the influence of personal, cultural and socioeconomic factors related to footwear use and non-use in northern Ethiopia.DesignA qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions and in-depth individual interviews. Data were collected using semistructured interview guides.SettingThe study was conducted in East and West Gojjam Zones, Amhara region, northwest Ethiopia.ParticipantsA total of 91 individuals from 4 target groups participated in individual and group interviews: (1) non-affected community leaders including Idir (a form of social insurance) leaders, school principals, kebele (the lowest administrative unit) officials, health professionals, teachers, merchants and religious leaders; (2) affected men and women; (3) non-affected men and women not in leadership positions; and (4) school children (both male and female).ResultsParticipants perceived a range of health benefits from donning footwear, including protection against injury and cold. Various types of shoes are available within the community, and their use varied depending on the nature of activities and the season. Personal and socioeconomic barriers hindered the desire to consistently use footwear. Widely established barefoot traditions and beliefs that footwear is uncomfortable, heavy and may weaken the feet have made the regular use of footwear uncommon. Economic constraints were also mentioned as hindering ownership and use of footwear. Distance from places where shoes could be bought also contributed to limited access. Cultural influences promoting gender inequality resulted in women being least able to access shoes.ConclusionsWe identified several individual, cultural and socioeconomic barriers that influence individuals’ decisions about and use of footwear in rural northern Ethiopia. Promoting education on the health benefits of footwear, curbing podoconiosis-related misconceptions and integrating these with economic empowerment programmes, may all improve the use of footwear.

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“…Wearing shoes provides only partial protection. One large study found heel cracks and foot trauma present regardless of shoe type . Therefore, maintaining SBF health and effective washing of feet and legs are essential in podoconiosis prevention.…”

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confidence: 99%

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a new skincare regimen on skin barrier function in those with podoconiosis in Ethiopia

et al. 2017

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Use of footwear and foot condition among rural Ethiopian school children

Abstract: Shoe wearing provided limited foot protection. Interventions are needed to build behavioral skills, including foot washing and wearing appropriate shoes that maximize foot protection.

Cited by 9 publications

References 2 publications

The prevalence and association with health-related quality of life of tungiasis and scabies in schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia

The prevalence and association with health-related quality of life of tungiasis and scabies in schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia

‘Why should I worry, since I have healthy feet?’ A qualitative study exploring barriers to use of footwear among rural community members in northern Ethiopia

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a new skincare regimen on skin barrier function in those with podoconiosis in Ethiopia

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