Description
Background: Snakebite is a serious public health disease and one of the most important venom-induced diseases occurring in many regions of the world. Estimated 81-95% of global snakebites occurs in the developing world. In some parts of Nigeria, the incident rate is often as high as 497 per 100, 000 population per annum, with fatality rate of about 20-100% depending on snake species and the availability of snake antivenom. Evidently, climate change influences the distribution and behaviours of these snakes and could potentially influence their venom compositions. In northern Nigeria, there is little evidence regarding farmers’ knowledge of venomous snakes, and their awareness and perceptions of available treatment options.
Aims: To assess farmers’ knowledge of venomous snakes, and their awareness and perceptions of available snakebite treatment options in northern Nigeria.
Methods: Qualitative research method was adopted using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. A purposive sample of 16 farmers representing 11 tribes and 3 states in northern Nigeria, aged 29-55years were recruited from the premises of Jos University Teaching Hospital Comprehensive Health Center Zamko. Data were collected using pictures of venomous snakes, and a semi-structured audio-recorded interview, Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethics approval was gained.
Findings and Discussion: The mean snake identification score was 60%, with the majority (87.5%) (n=14) identifying over 87% of the commonest venomous snakes. 12.5% (2) of the farmers had previous experience of snakebite, while 100% of the participants had relatives with previous snakebite experience. Most of the participants showed positive perception towards medical interventions relative to other snakebite treatment options, while socioeconomic and cultural factors emerged as the main determinants of snakebite treatment options. The participants showed significant understanding of the seasonal changes in the behaviours of the snakes and how weather conditions influence the prevalence of bites. This gave a good insight into how farmers’
understanding of climate change, venomous snakes, and the available treatment options could influence snake-human relationship and as well as the intervention strategies. Implications for Public Health and Health Promotion: This research is relevant in guiding policy makers and public health practitioners in designing effective and specific public health and health promotion programmes that could improve the healthcare- seeking behaviours of snakebite victims and reduce the incidence of snakebites in the developing countries.
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