Developing low-cost house floors to control tungiasis in Kenya - a feasibility study.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Tungiasis is a neglected tropical skin disease endemic in resource-poor communities. It is caused by the penetration of the female sand flea, Tunga penetrans, into the skin causing immense pain, itching, difficulty walking, sleeping and concentrating on school or work. Infection is associated with living in a house with unsealed earthen house floors.

Methods

This feasibility study used a community-based co-creation approach to develop and test simple, locally appropriate, and affordable flooring solutions to create a sealed, washable floor for the prevention of tungiasis. Locally used techniques were explored and compared in small slab trials. The floor with best strength and lowest cost was pilot trialed in 12 households with tungiasis cases to assess its durability

SUBMITTER: Elson L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10714545 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature