Abstract：
BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis is a neglected debilitating yet preventable disease. Despite its public health significance, podoconiosis is often misdiagnosed and confused with lymphatic filariasis. No appropriate diagnostic tests exist, contributing to underestimation and the absence of control interventions.
METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven districts with suspected or reported cases of podoconiosis or an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. Conducted from 30 January to 19 March 2023, the survey employed multilevel stratified sampling to reach eligible household members.
RESULTS: Of the 10 023 participants sampled, 187 (confidence interval 1.25 to 2.78) had clinical features of podoconiosis. The highest prevalence was recorded in Nakapiripirit (7.2% [58/809]) and Sironko (2.8 [44/1564]) and the lowest in Kasese (0.3% [5/1537]), but ranged from 1.1 to 1.8% in Zombo, Rukungiri, Gomba and Hoima districts. The duration of podoconiosis was reported to range from 1 to 57 y. Factors associated with podoconiosis occurrence included advanced age, tungiasis, household cleanliness and personal hygiene. Sleeping on a bed, bathing daily, use of soap and use of footwear in at least moderate condition were protective against podoconiosis.
CONCLUSIONS: Podoconiosis occurred in all the sampled districts and was linked to personal hygiene. Long-standing cases suggest an absence of treatment. There is potential for early intervention using a holistic care model in managing this condition. Urgent action and stakeholder engagement are essential for effective podoconiosis management.
METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven districts with suspected or reported cases of podoconiosis or an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. Conducted from 30 January to 19 March 2023, the survey employed multilevel stratified sampling to reach eligible household members.
RESULTS: Of the 10 023 participants sampled, 187 (confidence interval 1.25 to 2.78) had clinical features of podoconiosis. The highest prevalence was recorded in Nakapiripirit (7.2% [58/809]) and Sironko (2.8 [44/1564]) and the lowest in Kasese (0.3% [5/1537]), but ranged from 1.1 to 1.8% in Zombo, Rukungiri, Gomba and Hoima districts. The duration of podoconiosis was reported to range from 1 to 57 y. Factors associated with podoconiosis occurrence included advanced age, tungiasis, household cleanliness and personal hygiene. Sleeping on a bed, bathing daily, use of soap and use of footwear in at least moderate condition were protective against podoconiosis.
CONCLUSIONS: Podoconiosis occurred in all the sampled districts and was linked to personal hygiene. Long-standing cases suggest an absence of treatment. There is potential for early intervention using a holistic care model in managing this condition. Urgent action and stakeholder engagement are essential for effective podoconiosis management.
摘要：
背景：Podoconiosis是一种被忽视的衰弱但可预防的疾病。尽管具有公共卫生意义，足孢子虫病常被误诊，并与淋巴丝虫病混淆。没有适当的诊断测试，导致低估和缺乏控制干预措施。
方法：在7个地区进行了以人群为基础的横断面调查，这些地区怀疑或报告了足节病或海拔1200m的病例。该调查于2023年1月30日至3月19日进行，采用多级分层抽样来覆盖符合条件的家庭成员。
结果：在抽样的10.023名参与者中，187（置信区间1.25至2.78）具有足孢子虫病的临床特征。发病率最高的是Nakapirit（7.2%[58/809]）和Sironko（2.8[44/1564]），最低的是Kasese（0.3%[5/1537]）。但在Zombo，从1.1%到1.8%不等，Rukungiri,Gomba和Hoima区。据报道，足孢子虫病的持续时间为1至57岁。与足孢子虫病发生相关的因素包括高龄，tungiasis,家庭清洁和个人卫生。睡在床上,每天洗澡,在至少中度的情况下使用肥皂和使用鞋类可以预防足虫病。
结论：Podoconiosis发生在所有采样地区，并与个人卫生有关。长期病例表明缺乏治疗。在管理这种情况时，有可能使用整体护理模式进行早期干预。紧急行动和利益相关者的参与对于有效的足孔病管理至关重要。
方法：在7个地区进行了以人群为基础的横断面调查，这些地区怀疑或报告了足节病或海拔1200m的病例。该调查于2023年1月30日至3月19日进行，采用多级分层抽样来覆盖符合条件的家庭成员。
结果：在抽样的10.023名参与者中，187（置信区间1.25至2.78）具有足孢子虫病的临床特征。发病率最高的是Nakapirit（7.2%[58/809]）和Sironko（2.8[44/1564]），最低的是Kasese（0.3%[5/1537]）。但在Zombo，从1.1%到1.8%不等，Rukungiri,Gomba和Hoima区。据报道，足孢子虫病的持续时间为1至57岁。与足孢子虫病发生相关的因素包括高龄，tungiasis,家庭清洁和个人卫生。睡在床上,每天洗澡,在至少中度的情况下使用肥皂和使用鞋类可以预防足虫病。
结论：Podoconiosis发生在所有采样地区，并与个人卫生有关。长期病例表明缺乏治疗。在管理这种情况时，有可能使用整体护理模式进行早期干预。紧急行动和利益相关者的参与对于有效的足孔病管理至关重要。
