Ivermectin-based control of onchocerciasis in northern Cameroon: individual influencing participation in community treatment

A study aimed at determining individual factors associated with participation in community treatment with ivermectin was conducted in a village hyperendemic for onchocerciasis in northern Cameroon. The respective influences of sex, age, place of residence, distance between the compound and the dosing point, compound size, and participatlon in treatment by authoritative individuals in the compound was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Participation in treatment was closely associated with the attitude of the compound heads. Participation of compound heads in treatment increased as the household size increased, and as the distance to the distribution point diminished. This may be explained by the fact that getting information on health programmes is easier in large households whose members are involved in various social activities, and in compounds located near the village centre. Staff involved in health education should take this issue into account, and try to ensure circulation of information particularly to those living in small or remote compounds.