Perception, Attitude and Management of "Paja-paja", an African Ethno-Medical Condition, among Nigerians.

Abstract

Afolabi, B. M, Holdbrooke, S, Williams, S, Ogunnubi, E, Olugbemiro, G. M, Adesoji, P. A, Paul, D. E, Nwabuisi, F. N, Eyinnaya, A. O, Owoso, T. O, Oladimeji, T.G, Okandeji, E, Ibrahim, E. B, Eyiolorunpe, A and Ozurumba, S. C

“Paja paja”, a prominent ethnomedical illness in Southwestern Nigeria, has not been scientifically documented as a health issue. This expository questionnaire-based study was conducted in Lagos State, Nigeria between June, and August 2022 to determine if its symptoms are similar to paresthesia. Data analysis was conducted using NCSS 21 statistical software. Majority (98.6%) of the respondents had experienced “Paja paja” before, mostly in the legs (47.1%) or while sitting (58.7%). The proportion of those who experienced the condition in all extremities is higher among females (21.4%) than among males (16.5%). Likert scale analysis indicates that 39.4% of respondents strongly agreed that “Paja paja” is muscle pull associated with pain that lasts for more than a minute, making it a health issue. The most frequently mentioned perceived health-related cause of “Paja paja” is poor blood flow (117, 27.6%). Key informant interviews linked “Paja paja” to “Pins and needles” sensation. Multilinear regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between ever experienced “Paja paja” and any of the independent variables such as age group (r=0.011, SE=0.008, T-statistic=1.33, P-value=0.19, 95% CI=-0.005, 0.027). A larger study is recommended to ascertain the prevalence, health implication, risk factors, management and medical category that “Paja paja” belongs.

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