From February 2018 to November 2019, we conducted an epidemiological study to determine the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors of NS; a clinical case–control study to determine the etiology and epidemiological risk factors of NS; and a follow-up study to investigate the disease progression and long-term outcome. Here we present data on the characteristics of NS, selected epidemiological risk factors, access to treatment, and perceptions about NS transmission.
Epidemiological data were collected during a large house-to-house survey. Prior to initiating the household survey, community leaders in the area were informed about the aims and procedures of the study and involved in the planning and preparation of the study implementation in their communities. After obtaining informed consent, the main caretaker in a household was interviewed and all 1–18-year-old children in the household were screened for NS using head nodding as major inclusion criterion. If NS cases were identified in a household, questions on living conditions were asked. Every fifth household with an NS case and a control household without an NS case were asked additional questions regarding their individual exposures and behaviors. Household interviews were performed using electronic questionnaires preloaded on a personal digital assistant. The questionnaires were translated into the local language and translated back into English to ensure consistency. The study was conducted by a team of researchers consisting of a medical doctor, a clinical officer, nurses, field workers, and a field coordinator who had been trained prior to the survey. Screening of cases was conducted by the nurses while a clinical officer and/or a medical doctor carried out a detailed medical history and performed a clinical examination for confirmation. All the research team members were from the Greater Mundri area and were fluent in the local languages, including the local Arabic dialect.
Epidemiological data were collected during a large house-to-house survey. Prior to initiating the household survey, community leaders in the area were informed about the aims and procedures of the study and involved in the planning and preparation of the study implementation in their communities. After obtaining informed consent, the main caretaker in a household was interviewed and all 1–18-year-old children in the household were screened for NS using head nodding as major inclusion criterion. If NS cases were identified in a household, questions on living conditions were asked. Every fifth household with an NS case and a control household without an NS case were asked additional questions regarding their individual exposures and behaviors. Household interviews were performed using electronic questionnaires preloaded on a personal digital assistant. The questionnaires were translated into the local language and translated back into English to ensure consistency. The study was conducted by a team of researchers consisting of a medical doctor, a clinical officer, nurses, field workers, and a field coordinator who had been trained prior to the survey. Screening of cases was conducted by the nurses while a clinical officer and/or a medical doctor carried out a detailed medical history and performed a clinical examination for confirmation. All the research team members were from the Greater Mundri area and were fluent in the local languages, including the local Arabic dialect.
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