Data from: Prevalence, risk factors, and impact of tungiasis in Kabembe and Kagogwa, Uganda

Tunga Penetrans, locally known as either the Jigger or Nvunza, is the smallest known flea. Female T. Penetrans burrow into the skin of a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans, causing tungiasis. This cross-sectional study took place in the villages of Kagogwa and Kabembe, where significant government and non-government organizational presence has occurred to reduce the impact of tungiasis on the community. However, despite removal clinics, spraying homes, and construction of new homes for some residents, the problem of tungiasis persists. Therefore, we conducted this study to support future decisions about eliminating tungiasis infections. Surveys were administered to 299 study participants by 3 research assistants proficient in all local languages. Prevalence of current infection in the villages of Kagogwa and Kabembe is 17% and prevalence of reporting a case in the previous two weeks is 45%. Tungiasis was more prevalent in children under 14 (67% of total cases) than adults. Risk factors included tending for chickens (OR = 11.42; 95% CI: 5.63 – 23.19), cohabiting with chickens OR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.78 -7.39), and increased numbers of residents per sleeping room (exp(B) =1.27; 95% CI: 1.04 – 1.54). Protective factors included having floors of concrete (OR = 0.20 95% CI: 0.09 – 0.45) or dung smear (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07 – 0.39), household clear of organic waste (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.05 – 0.22), frequency of bathing (exp(B) = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.16 – 0.48), level of education achieved (exp(B) = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83 – 0.96), always wearing closed toed shoes (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.11 – 0.49), keeping animals in a structure separate from the house (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.10 – 0.49), and pit disposal of rubbish (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.04 – 0.86). Future work should be done to develop and prove safe and inexpensive treatment and prevention methods.