| dc.description.abstract |
The presence of environmental variables associated with the occurrence of podoconiosis was indicated in studies by Price in the 1970s. Observation of red clay soil of volcanic origin and barefoot people in podoconiosis-endemic areas were starting points for investigating these factors. Recently, demonstration of genetic susceptibility to the disease has shown the added value of understanding individual level variations and the presence of gene-environment interactions in the development of podoconiosis. Deeper understanding of which environmental and individual variables determine the development of podoconiosis, and at what spatial scale these variables act, will assist intervention at national and local levels. The present study aims to investigate individual and environmental level variables related to podoconiosis at local scale. |
en_US |