Long-Term Disabilities Common Among Snakebite Survivors in Ghana: A KNUST Study Reveals the Hidden Burden

Introduction

Snakebite is often viewed as a short-term medical emergency, but new research from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) shows that its consequences can last for years. The study, conducted in rural Ghana, reveals that snakebite survivors frequently experience long-term disabilities that affect their ability to work, move, and participate fully in society. These findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions that go beyond immediate treatment and address rehabilitation and mental health support for survivors.

Key Points

Background

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that disproportionately affects rural, impoverished populations in tropical regions. In Ghana, many snakebite victims never reach health facilities, and the true extent of long-term disabilities remains underreported. Most existing data are hospital-based, missing the broader community impact. As Ghana strives to eliminate NTDs and achieve universal health coverage, understanding the long-term effects of snakebite is increasingly important.

Analysis

The Study Design

Researchers from KNUST’s College of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) and cross-border partners, conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study in the Ashanti and Upper West regions of Ghana. They surveyed 379 rural residents—both snakebite patients (at least six months post-bite) and community controls—using the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and the Buruli Ulcer Functional Limitation Score.

Key Findings

– **Disability Risk**: The risk of disability was 1.54 times higher among snakebite patients compared to controls.
– **Prevalence of Disabilities**: 35% of patients with symptoms of envenoming had mild to moderate disabilities, compared to 20% in controls.
– **Affected Areas**: The most impacted domains were cognition, mobility, daily life activities, and participation in society.
– **Predictors**: Age, gender, region, and severity of the bite were key predictors of disability.
– **Treatment Seeking**: Many patients sought treatment from traditional healers, and health-seeking behavior was not associated with education level.

Implications for Survivors

Even years after a snakebite, many survivors continue to live with limitations that affect their ability to work, move freely, and engage fully in social and economic activities. These invisible disabilities can reduce productivity, increase dependency on family members, and deepen the cycle of poverty in already vulnerable rural households.

Practical Advice

For Healthcare Providers

– **Integrate Rehabilitation**: Include rehabilitation and mental health support in snakebite treatment protocols.
– **Community Outreach**: Conduct community-based assessments to identify and support survivors with long-term disabilities.
– **Training**: Equip healthcare workers with skills to recognize and address post-snakebite disabilities.

For Policymakers

– **National Strategies**: Incorporate rehabilitation and mental health services into national NTD programs.
– **Data Collection**: Expand data collection beyond hospital records to capture the full community burden of snakebite.
– **Public Awareness**: Raise awareness about the long-term impacts of snakebite and the importance of early and appropriate treatment.

For Survivors and Families

– **Seek Comprehensive Care**: Access both acute treatment and long-term rehabilitation services.
– **Support Networks**: Engage with community support groups for emotional and practical assistance.
– **Advocacy**: Advocate for improved services and policies that address the needs of snakebite survivors.

FAQ

Conclusion

The KNUST study sheds light on the hidden burden of long-term disabilities among snakebite survivors in Ghana. By revealing that many survivors continue to face significant challenges years after the initial bite, the research underscores the need for a holistic approach to snakebite care—one that includes not only acute treatment but also long-term rehabilitation and mental health support. Addressing these needs is crucial for improving the quality of life, productivity, and social participation of survivors, and for breaking the cycle of poverty in rural communities. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities must work together to ensure that snakebite survivors receive the comprehensive care and support they deserve.