Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Knowledge of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) Among Adolescents in Enugu Metropolis
Awoere T Chinawa1, Jude T Onyia2, Obinna C Nduagubam3
1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, ESUT, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Summary
Awareness of rheumatic fever (ARF) is high among adolescents, but comprehensive knowledge is lacking. Socio-demographic factors significantly influence understanding, highlighting the need for targeted health education to improve prevention and control of this public health issue.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) presents a significant public health challenge, contributing to increased childhood morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding adolescent awareness and knowledge of ARF is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of awareness and knowledge regarding acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) among college-going adolescent children.
- To identify factors influencing awareness and knowledge of ARF in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 553 adolescents from ten secondary schools in Enugu metropolis.
- Data were collected over a 4-month period using a structured survey instrument.
Main Results:
- Overall awareness of rheumatic fever was 63.3%, with health workers, peers, and social media as primary information sources.
- Knowledge of key symptoms (joint pain, sore throat, shortness of breath) and preventive measures was high.
- Adolescents aged <15 years, junior secondary students, and those with higher parental education and socio-economic status demonstrated significantly better knowledge.
Conclusions:
- While awareness of rheumatic fever is relatively high, comprehensive knowledge, especially concerning disease burden, remains inadequate among adolescents.
- Significant disparities in knowledge exist, influenced by age, educational attainment, parental education, and socio-economic status.
- Improving early recognition, prevention, and control of ARF necessitates bridging the gap between awareness and accurate knowledge, addressing socio-demographic influencing factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...