The noma survivors; should they be educated as a special target group? A crossectional study.

Mujtaba Bala; Abubakar Abdullahi Bello; Ramat Oyebunmi Braimah; Abdulrazaq Olanrewaju Taiwo; Mike Eghosa Ogbeide; Rufai Jaafaru; Muhammad sheikh Adam Abdullahi; Muhammad Kaura Abubakar; Shafiu Isah Abdulazeez; Abubakar Sadeeq Fawa; Malami Muhammad Bello

doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20240805013611

Abstract
Background
The noma disease survivors present with varying degrees of facial deformities that makes it harder for them to form relationship with friends, peers, and teachers. This study aimed to present the analysis of education challenges faced by Noma survivors and explore on whether they should be educated as a special target group.
Material and method
This was a crossectional study conducted over 2 months among Noma survivors and their caregivers. Information such as sociodemographics, duration of noma defect, school enrollment history, challenges faced and willingness to be enrolled in a noma special institution were obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results
A total of 69 Noma survivors were enrolled and there were 38 (55.1%) males and 31 (44.9%) females in the age range of 6-15 years and a mean±SD of 9.94±3.41 years. The duration of the defect range from 2-11 years, only 18 (26.1%) of them were enrolled in schools and majority 16 (88.9%) reported bullying as their main challenge. The reason for school nonenrolment was because of Noma defect in 27 (52.9%), No school 12 (23.5%), No teachers 4 (7.8%) and financial problems 8 (15.7%). All the caregivers were ready to release their children to a special Noma children school if available and majority 32 (46.4%) of the children want to be teachers.

Conclusion
The education challenges faced by Noma survivors include bullying, lack of schools, lack of teachers and financial constraint. Establishing free special institution could significantly improve their quality of life.

Key words: Noma disease, gangrenous stomatitis, cancrum oris, special group education, life quality