Revista Internacional de Psicologia Escolar e Cognitiva
Acesso livre

Abstrato

A Mixed Cross-sectional and Case-control Study to Investigate the Risk Factors of Noma (A Psychologically Debilitating Disease) in Ethiopia

Heron Gezahegn Gebretsadik

Noma is a polymicrobial gangrenous facial disease affecting people living in the most impoverished areas of low- and middle-income countries. The condition is associated with varying levels of psychological, functional, and social morbidity. Several risk factors are reportedly claimed to favor the development and progression of the disease. A cross-sectional and case-control study was conducted to assess the risk factors of Noma in Ethiopia. The raw data of the cases were obtained from three major Noma treatment centers in Ethiopia. Three controls were selected per single case. Odds Ratios (ORs) and Chi-square tests were calculated. A total of 64 cases were selected for the case control study. Considering the 1:3 case to control ratio, 192 matching controls were identified. Malaria, helminths, measle, diarrheal diseases, and living with domestic animals were found to be risk factors for Noma with a respective p-value<0.01. Contrarily, the analysis has identified vaccination (p<0.01) as a protective factor. Poverty-related diseases such as malaria, helminth infection, measle, diarrheal diseases, and unfavorable living conditions were identified as risk factors for Noma. As such, the disease is preventable. Therefore, in addition to other healthcare-related preventive measures, long-lasting economic development should be considered to effectively and sustainably reduce the burden of the disease.