Abstract

Skin abscess is often caused by infection, which has resulted from an infected skin wound, bacterial infection of the skin or due to infection of a hair follicle. Staphylococcal infections of the skin are the commonest to cause skin abscess. Skin abscess due to inflammation gives a red appearance to the skin, the area is often inflamed looks swollen, painful and the pus filled area is very sensitive. The aim of this study was to Assess adults’ knowledge (aged 18-55 years) on the prevention and non-pharmacological management of skin abscess in the Malende Community. This was a community based cross sectional study. A total of 93 participants were recruited into the study and a structural questionnaire was used to collect data based on the specific objectives of the project. The data was then analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results were presented in the form of frequency tables and pie charts. Most of the participants (56%, n=52) were in ages 18-30 years with the following occupations were recorded: farming (30.1%, n=28), students (24.7%, n=23), teaching (10.8%, n=10), and no defined occupation (34.4%, n=32). The results show that 39.6% (37/93) have knowledge on general aspect of skin abscess while 54.8% (51/93) acknowledged skin abscess can be prevented. It was also noted that 56.5% (53/93) of the participants had knowledge on the non-pharmacological management of skin abscesses. Non-pharmacological management methods such as the use of ginger, aloe vera, limestone with palm oil, use of warm bath with salts were identified as other methods amongst the participants. Thus skin abscess could be non-pharmacologically managed at home using local herbal remedy. The population of the Malende community should be sensitized on skin abscess through seminars and health talks by the government, as this will increase their awareness on general aspects, prevention and non-pharmacological management of skin abscess.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1 .0 Introduction

This chapter briefly examines; the background, statement of problem, objectives, research questions, significance of the study, scope of study, operational definition of terms.

1.1 Background

Abscess comes from a Latin word abscessus, which means a going away or departure of tissues to allow room for the matter between them (abscess,URL:Merrian-webster.com).

Alexander Ogston was the first to interpret correctly the etiology of acute suppuration in humans he found that the process was caused by a micrococcus to which he assigned the name staphylococcus and that is what we know today as Staphylococcus aureus, which is the main micrococcus in abscess formation. (Alexander ogston ,1929)

In Khartoum north (Sudan north eastern Africa) out of 240 patients with abscess prevalence of 69% vs 31% male to female skin abscess cases. In Italy during a period between October 2016 to September 2017, 254 adults’ patients and a total of 291 SSTIs diagnosed a number of ID centers in which out of 142 abscess recorded 23(8%), as well staphylococcus aureus was detected in 74 cases (38.2%) being the leading cause of the ID, and methicillin-resistance 57% ( silvano et al ,2018)

This research was carried out within a period of May 2019 to February 2020, in the Malende-Muyuka community, Muyuka subdivision, Fako division of the South West Region in Cameroon. Malende is along the Kumba-Muyuka high way, the last village in Fako going to kumba and inhabited by Balong people as the Natives of the land, as well strangers from different villages, on a surface area of 4000 hectares, this information was gotten from the long serving chiefs’ representative Elonge David Kumbe an indigene of the land. This work was on the inhabitants of Malende with objectives as thus; Assessing knowledge on skin abscess, prevention and non-pharmacological management of skin abscess.

 

1.2 Statement of Problem

With daily observations over the years in the Malende community on how people prevent and manage skin abscess at home, the use of engine oil and honey to name a few, as well some herbs and some antibiotics(upjoin). In Alaska the local ways of abscess management were not quite different in which they covered the affected area with tape, using some hot pact. Herbs such as fireweed, stinkweed or tobacco were used, tundra and moss was used as wound covers to aid the healing process. The use of alcohol, kerosene; or body spray containing alcohol for treatment as well steam bath was believed by the people to sweat out germs. (Gregory et al,2016). Undoubtedly, these preventions and non-pharmacologic methods proved effective to some, but the skin abscess/boils kept on reoccurring, to others no effect. As a nursing student with knowledge acquired over the years, the problem with skin abscess/boils was that, these people lack adequate knowledge on skin abscess/boils and some causes. Which acted as a lead for the researcher to undertake, the study;

 

1.3 Objectives

The aim for which the study was carried out, which guided the entire work.

1.3.1 General objective

To assess adults’ knowledge on some preventions and non-pharmacological managements of skin abscess.

 1.3.2 Specific objectives

1. To assess knowledge on skin abscess.
2. To assess knowledge on some preventions of skin abscess.
3. To assess knowledge on some non-pharmacological managements of skin abscess.

 

1.4 Research questions

1. What knowledge do adults’ have on skin abscess?
2. What are some preventions of skin abscess?
3. What are some non-pharmacological managements of skin abscess?