The impact of guinea worm disease on school attendance in Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Attendance records from all primary and post-primary schools in Akoko areas of Ondo State were examined to relate the rate of missed school days, school drop out rate from 1995 to 1998. During the survey, 9,525; 9,752 and 10,062 pupils (boys and girls) were registered in both primary and post-primary schools in the villages, the prevalence of guinea worm disease among school children were 27.7%; 6.2% and 2.3% in 1995, 1996 and 1997 respectively. There was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in prevalence of guinea worm disease among school children between 1995 and 1997, with the advent of various control programmes. This culminated in a 100% reduction in infection by 1998. At the peak of guinea worm season, in the study area, guinea worm – related absences caused virtually all absenteeism recorded in the schools with 27.7% in 1995 and 0.0% in 1998.