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Related Experiment Videos

Outside Europe. Is poliomyelitis a serious problem in developing countries?--the Danfa experience

D D Nicholas, J H Kratzer, S Ofosu-Amaah

    British Medical Journal
    |April 16, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary

    Poliomyelitis causes significant lameness in rural Ghana, with rates higher than previously thought. This highlights the need for urgent polio immunization programs in affected regions.

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    Area of Science:

    • Public Health
    • Epidemiology
    • Pediatrics

    Background:

    • Poliomyelitis is a significant cause of childhood lameness globally.
    • A hypothesis suggested paralytic poliomyelitis was rare in rural African districts.
    • Understanding polio's prevalence is crucial for public health interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the prevalence of lameness due to poliomyelitis in rural Ghana.
    • To test the hypothesis of low poliomyelitis incidence in such areas.
    • To evaluate a teacher questionnaire for rapid prevalence estimation.

    Main Methods:

    • Field examination of children for lameness in the Danfa Project district.
    • Prevalence and incidence rate calculations for poliomyelitis-attributable lameness.

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  • Testing of a teacher questionnaire for postal surveys.

    • Main Results:

    • Observed prevalence of polio-related lameness was 7 per 1000 school-aged children.
    • Annual incidence estimated at 28 per 100,000 population.
    • Rates comparable to severe epidemic periods in the USA and Europe.

    Conclusions:

    • Poliomyelitis imposes a substantial burden of lameness in the studied rural Ghanaian district.
    • The findings challenge the hypothesis of low polio incidence in similar regions.
    • Polio immunization is a high priority; teacher questionnaires show promise for surveillance.