Impact of Jiggers on Learners’ Exam Scores in Science and Math: A Neglected Tropical Disease Affecting Education in Kenya

A recent study has shed light on the significant impact of jiggers, or tungiasis, on school attendance and academic performance among children in Kenya. Published in the PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases journal, the study, titled “Tungiasis Among Children in Kenya: Associations with Poor Nutrition, Absenteeism, Poor School Performance, and Quality of Life,” highlights the substantial challenges faced by affected learners, particularly in science and math.

Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the female flea Tunga penetrans, which burrows into the skin, causing severe pain, itching, and inflammation. The study assessed the effects of this disease on school children in nine counties: Turkana, Samburu, Kericho, Nakuru, Murang’a, Kajiado, Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kilifi. Conducted in 11 primary schools in each county between October 2021 and April 2023, the research examined the relationship between jiggers and factors such as nutrition, school attendance, academic performance, and overall quality of life.

Children affected by tungiasis often experience pain, itching, sleep disturbances, and embarrassment, which can severely disrupt their education. “We discovered that children affected by tungiasis experience pain, itching, sleep disturbances, and embarrassment,” the study states. These symptoms contribute to poor school attendance and difficulty concentrating in class. The study found that infected children performed worse in exams, particularly in math, English, and science, compared to their uninfected peers.

The neglect of tungiasis has led to significant gaps in understanding the disease, including its treatment and prevention. The study’s authors emphasize the urgent need for increased attention from researchers, donors, and policymakers to address this issue. They note that the neglect is partly due to a lack of awareness among health officials, policymakers, and researchers about the disease’s impact on patients’ lives, particularly children in school.

In Kenya, tungiasis poses a significant public health threat, with a national prevalence of 1.3 percent among children aged eight to 14 years. However, in some areas, such as northeastern Uganda, prevalence can reach as high as 64 percent. The disease disproportionately affects children under 15 years, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Despite its prevalence, only a few countries endemic to tungiasis have national control strategies, mainly due to the lack of data on the disease burden and evidence-based interventions.

The study underscores the need for integrating tungiasis into comprehensive disease management programs for school-aged children, highlighting its impact on physical and cognitive development. “Integrating tungiasis into comprehensive disease management for school-aged children is crucial for safeguarding their physical and cognitive development,” the study asserts.

Additionally, the research found that children with severe tungiasis exhibited poorer weight-for-age metrics, higher rates of school absenteeism, and lower exam scores. “Children with severe tungiasis experienced more pain, itching, and a reduced quality of life, particularly regarding mobility, school concentration, and sleep, compared to those with mild tungiasis,” the study states.

The study was funded by the Wellcome Trust through the project “Epidemiology of Tungiasis” and received approval from the Kenya Medical Research Institute’s Scientific and Ethics Review Committee and the Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee. The researchers advocate for improved diagnosis, surveillance, disease management, and stigma reduction to mitigate the impacts of tungiasis on affected children.

“Our study illustrates that tungiasis has a considerable impact on various aspects of children’s lives and development, akin to other neglected diseases like malaria and helminth infections,” the authors conclude. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support to help affected children achieve their full academic potential. As tungiasis continues to undermine the quality of education for many children, comprehensive strategies are essential to improve health outcomes and enhance educational performance in affected regions.