Social Effects Of Nodding Syndrome On The Lives Of Children Living In Kitgum District Northern Uganda

ABSTRACT

Introduction - The debilitating nature of nodding disease can have a significant socioeconomic impact of the individuals and families affected. A broad understanding of these sociodynamic effects is crucial for an integrated management of the disease. Objectives- General objective was to establish the social effects of Nodding syndrome among the children between the ages of 1-19 years of Kitgum district in Northern Uganda. Specific objectives included; identification of the social effects of nodding syndrome on the lives of children in Kitgum district, identification of how biological and psychological effects of the condition are affecting their social life style, identification of factors related to the symptoms of the syndrome. Methodology- This descriptive cross sectional study interview of 82 affected individuals using questionnaires, focus groups and interviews to study the social effects of nodding syndrome amongst children aged 1 to 19 years in Kitgum (Northern Uganda). Research results- Of the 82, stigma was reported amongst 19.51% (16) at the work places, 25% (4) at home by their siblings, 34.69% (17) by their teachers at school, 61.22% (30) by their fellow students and 24.33% (9) at church and 45.12% (37) by their peers in the neighborhood. Of the school going age (59.76% that is 49), 40.24% (33) are currently not going to school, Overall, 69.51% of the participants are not happy about their current lives. 63.41% (52) were reported getting seizures during their meals, 54.88% (45) reportedly lost weight and 47.56% (39) were reportedly underperforming in daily activities as compared to their non affected age mates in the neighborhood. Conclusion- The study shows that nodding syndrome victims are stigmatized everywhere which impairs their cognitive, social and developmental milestones. Recommendations: another research to study the physiological impact of nodding syndrome should be conducted; the government should provide special care, the public needs to be educated about this syndrome.