The Trend of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Gonji Kollela District in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study (2013-2022).

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to assess the trends of diseases, including Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) among 1266 patients enrolled in three health centers from 2013-2022, in Gonji Kollela district of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Sixty-one diseases ((56 non-NTDs (91.7%) and 5 NTDs (8.3%)) were reported. The top 13 most prevalent diseases in the research area were: Pneumonia (9.2%), Acute Febrile illness (8.8%), Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (7.4%), Intestinal Parasites (7.3%), Dyspepsia (6.7%), Trauma (6%), Helminthiasis (4.7%), Malaria (4.3%), Urinary Tract Infection (3.7%), Tonsilitis (3.1%), Skin Infection (2.7%), and Scabies and Muscle Disease (2.4%). The prevalence of NTDs was Helminthiasis (4.7%), Scabies (2.4%), Eye Disease (0.9%), Rabies (0.2%), and Podoconiosis (0.1%). Males (62.3%) had higher infection rates than females (37.7%). NTD prevalence was highest among males (5.2%), ages 18-64 (5%), at Geregera Health Center (3.1%), and in rural areas (6.6%). Statistical analyses revealed significant mean differences among the five NTDs, with Helminthiasis consistently higher. Scabies also showed higher means than Eye Disease and Rabies, while Eye Disease surpassed Podoconiosis. No significant differences are found between Scabies and Eye Disease, Eye Disease and Rabies, or Rabies and Podoconiosis.