Knowledge and awareness of lymphedema, its prevention and management among undergraduate students of faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences, Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka

Abstract

Lymphedema is a set of pathologic conditions that are characterized by the regional accumulation of excessive amounts of interstitial protein-rich fluid. These occur due to an imbalance between the demand for lymphatic flow and the capacity of the lymphatic circulation. It is a deadly disease that currently has no cure, but a lot of measures can be put in place for its prevention. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, prevention and management of lymphedema among the students of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu Campus. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate Pharmacy students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu Campus using an adapted, validated questionnaire.  The instrument accessed the knowledge of lymphedema, it’s prevention and management amongst the students of the Faculty. The data collected was analyzed using computer-aided Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the findings. Level of significance was set at p-value of <0.05.  The number of students who participated was 254. Of the total, 154 (60.6%) were aware of lymphedema, and 133 (52.4%) didn’t know that lymphedema can occur in other parts of the body besides the limbs. Also, 152(59.8%) believe that lymphedema can be treated, 163(64.2%) think it can be prevented and 223(87.8%) didn’t know that lymphedema cannot be completely cured. This study showed that more than half of the participants were aware of lymphedema, but didn’t have a comprehensive knowledge of it.