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Umbelino-Walker I, Wong F, Cassolato M, Pantelias A, Jacobson J, Kalume C. Integration of female genital schistosomiasis into HIV/sexual and reproductive health and rights and neglected tropical diseases programmes and services: a scoping review. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2023; 31:2262882. [PMID: 37850814 PMCID: PMC10586082 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2262882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) affects approximately 56 million women and girls across sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with up to a threefold increased prevalence of HIV. Integrating FGS with HIV programmes as part of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services may be one of the most significant missed opportunities for preventing HIV incidence among girls and women. A search of studies published until October 2021 via Scopus and ProQuest was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to assess how FGS can be integrated into HIV/SRH and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) programmes and services. Data extraction included studies that integrated interventions and described the opportunities and challenges. A total of 334 studies were identified, with 22 eligible for analysis and summarised conducting a descriptive numerical analysis and qualitative review. We adapted a framework for integrated implementation of FGS, HIV, and HPV/cervical cancer to thematically organise the results, classifying them into five themes: awareness and community engagement, diagnosis, treatment, burden assessment, and economic evaluation. Most activities pertained to awareness and community engagement (n = 9), diagnosis (n = 9) and were primarily connected to HIV/AIDS (n = 8) and school-based services and programming (n = 8). The studies mainly described the opportunities and challenges for integration, rather than presenting results from implemented integration interventions, highlighting an evidence gap on FGS integration into HIV/SRH and NTD programmes. Investments are needed to realise the potential of FGS integration to address the burden of this neglected disease and improve HIV and SRH outcomes for millions of women and girls at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felicia Wong
- Independent Consultant, Frontline AIDS, Worthing, UK
| | | | | | - Julie Jacobson
- Managing Partner, Co-Founder, Bridges to Development, Seattle, WA, USA
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Torres-Vitolas CA, Trienekens SCM, Zaadnoordijk W, Gouvras AN. Behaviour change interventions for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis: A systematic review of evidence from low- and middle-income countries. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011315. [PMID: 37163556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For the last two decades, schistosomiasis control efforts have focussed on preventive treatment. The disease, however, still affects over 200 million people worldwide. Behaviour change (BC) interventions can strengthen control by interrupting transmission through modifying exposure behaviour (water contact) or transmission practices (open urination/defaecation); or through fostering treatment seeking or acceptance. This review examines these interventions to assess their effectiveness in modifying risk practices and affecting epidemiological trends. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A systematic multi-database literature search (PROSPERO CRD42021252368) was conducted for peer-reviewed publications released at any time before June 2021 assessing BC interventions for schistosomiasis control in low- and middle-income countries. 2,593 unique abstracts were identified, 66 were assigned to full text review, and 32 met all inclusion criteria. A typology of intervention models was outlined according to their use of behaviour change techniques and overarching rationale: health education (HEIs), social-environmental (SEIs), physical-environmental (PEIs), and incentives-centred interventions (ICIs). Available evidence does not allow to identify which BC approach is most effective in controlling risk behaviour to prevent schistosomiasis transmission. HEIs' impacts were observed to be limited by structural considerations, like infrastructure underdevelopment, economic obligations, socio-cultural traditions, and the natural environment. SEIs may address those challenges through participatory planning and implementation activities, which enable social structures, like governance and norms, to support BC. Their effects, however, appear context-sensitive. The importance of infrastructure investments was highlighted by intervention models. To adequately support BC, however, they require users' inputs and complementary services. Whilst ICIs reported positive impacts on treatment uptake, there are cost-effectiveness and sustainability concerns. Evaluation studies yielded limited evidence of independent epidemiological impacts from BC, due to limited use of suitable indicators and comparators. There was indicative evidence, however, that BC projects could sustain gains through treatment campaigns. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE There is a need for integrated interventions combining information provision, community-based planning, and infrastructure investments to support BC for schistosomiasis control. Programmes should carefully assess local conditions before implementation and consider that long-term support is likely needed. Available evidence indicates that BC interventions may contribute towards schistosomiasis control when accompanied by treatment activities. Further methodologically robust evidence is needed to ascertain the direct epidemiological benefits of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Torres-Vitolas
- Unlimit Health, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzan C M Trienekens
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Murta FLG, Massara CL, Rodrigues MG, Beck LCNH, Favre TC. Teachers as multipliers of knowledge about schistosomiasis: a possible approach for health education programmes. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:853. [PMCID: PMC9664691 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07829-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In the past decade, Brazil has significantly reduced the prevalence of schistosomiasis through a combined effort of early treatment of infected people, expansion of basic sanitation infrastructure and educational measures. Despite these efforts, in some areas, prevalence of schistosomiasis exceeds 20% of the school population, who lack knowledge of the risks of the disease. Action can be taken in schools to empower this population about their health condition. This paper describes the role of the teacher as a multiplier of knowledge about schistosomiasis and proposes two different approaches to training these teachers.
Methods
This study used mixed methods to evaluate training of teachers and educational intervention with those teachers’ pupils. Two training courses, each with 40 h of face-to-face activity, were offered to 19 teachers, using two different but complementary approaches, based on theoretical references and specific educational strategies: Critical Pedagogical Approach (Training Course I, held in 2013) and Creative Play Approach (Training Course II, held in 2014).The courses included classroom activities, laboratory and field work. After the training, the teachers conducted activities on schistosomiasis with their pupils. These activities involved constructing educational materials and cultural productions. The pupils’ knowledge about the disease was evaluated before the activities and 12 months later. The teachers’ acceptance and perceptions were assessed through structured interviews and subsequent thematic analysis. The Shistosoma mansoni infection status of teachers and their students was also assessed using the Kato Katz stool test.
Results
The parasitological study showed 31.6% of the teachers and 21.4% of the pupils to be positive for S. mansoni. The teachers’ knowledge of important aspects of schistosomiasis transmission and prevention was fragmented and incorrect prior to the training. The teachers’ knowledge changed significantly after the training and they were strongly accepting of the pedagogical methods used during the training. The level of their pupils’ knowledge about the disease had increased significantly (p < 0.05). However, pupils responded that, even after the educational activities, they still had contact with the city’s contaminated waters (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
The results of this study underline the importance of schools and teachers as partners in controlling and eliminating schistosomiasis. Teacher training on the disease significantly increases their pupils’ knowledge, reflecting empowerment with regard to local health conditions.
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Malaria and Helminthic Co-Infection during Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095444. [PMID: 35564842 PMCID: PMC9101176 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria and helminthic co-infection during pregnancy causes fetomaternal haemorrhage and foetal growth retardation. This study determined the pooled burden of pregnancy malaria and helminthic co-infection in sub-Saharan Africa. CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to retrieve data from the literature, without restricting language and publication year. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies was used for quality assessment. STATA Version 14.0 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. The I2 statistics and Egger’s test were used to test heterogeneity and publication bias. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence at a 95% confidence interval (CI). The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO, with the number CRD42019144812. In total, 24 studies (n = 14,087 participants) were identified in this study. The pooled analysis revealed that 20% of pregnant women were co-infected by malaria and helminths in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence of malaria and helminths were 33% and 35%, respectively. The most prevalent helminths were Hookworm (48%), Ascaris lumbricoides (37%), and Trichuris trichiura (15%). Significantly higher malaria and helminthic co-infection during pregnancy were observed. Health systems in sub-Saharan Africa must implement home-grown innovative solutions to underpin context-specific policies for the early initiation of effective intermittent preventive therapy.
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Favre TC, Massara CL, Beck LCNH, Cabello RKSA, Pieri OS. Adherence to diagnosis followed by selective treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni and related knowledge among schoolchildren in an endemic area of Minas Gerais, Brazil, prior to and after the implementation of educational actions. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2021; 13:e00208. [PMID: 33732914 PMCID: PMC7941185 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Brazilian guidelines for schistosomiasis elimination recommend regular search of infection carriers and their timely treatment. This study evaluates the effect of educational actions (EAs) among schoolchildren on adherence to diagnosis and treatment, as well as on knowledge of the disease. Methods In April/2013, a questionnaire was applied to 6th-to-8th-grade pupils of eight public schools to evaluate prior knowledge of disease and self-reported risk behavior. Baseline parasitological survey (PS) was done in May/2013, followed by selective treatment and cure assessment. The schools were then randomly allocated to experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups, with and without EAs, respectively. EAs were conducted for 3 months from August/2013. Questionnaire was reapplied in November/2013, April/2014, October/2014, and October/2015 to evaluate changes in knowledge about the disease and self-reported risk behavior. Two further annual PSs (May/2014 and May/2015), each followed by treatment of positives, allowed to evaluate between-group differences and intra-group changes in adherence to diagnosis and treatment, and to follow-up prevalence and intensity of infection. Results Adherence to diagnosis did not differ significantly between EG (84.1%) and CG (81.1%) at baseline but was significantly higher in EG in subsequent PSs. Overall, adherence to treatment was higher than 90% in all three PSs; cure was 98.4%, egg-reduction was 99.8% and reinfection, 2.8%. Prevalence fell significantly in EC (from 23.5% to 6.8%) and CG (from 21.8% to 2.4%), the same occurring with intensity (from 54.2 to 4.6 epg in EG and from 38.4 to 1.3 epg in CG). Disease knowledge increased significantly in EG and CG; knowledge about disease transmission increased significantly more in the EG. Self-reported risk behavior remained above 67% and did not differ significantly between EG and CG. Conclusion EAs increased adherence of schoolchildren and improved knowledge about the disease, confirming that EAs are an important tool to enhance schoolchildren participation in control campaigns. Educational actions improved adherence to stool testing. Disease knowledge also improved with educational actions. Risk behavior stayed high despite educational actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cristina Favre
- Environmental and Health Education Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Lara Massara
- Helmintology and Medical Malacology Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Otavio Sarmento Pieri
- Environmental and Health Education Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
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Torres-Vitolas CA, Dhanani N, Fleming FM. Factors affecting the uptake of preventive chemotherapy treatment for schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009017. [PMID: 33465076 PMCID: PMC7846123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis affects nearly 220 million people worldwide, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Preventive chemotherapy (PC) treatment, through regular mass-drug administration (MDA) of Praziquantel tablets remains the control measure of choice by Ministries of Health. Current guidelines recommend that 75% of school-aged children receive treatment. Many programmes, however, struggle to achieve this target. Given the risk of high reinfection rates, attaining sustained high levels of treatment coverage is essential. This study provides a comprehensive review of the barriers and facilitators operating at different levels of analysis, from the individual to the policy level, conditioning the uptake of PC for schistosomiasis in SSA. Methodology/Principal findings A systematic literature search was conducted in several databases for publications released between January 2002 and 2019 that examined factors conditioning the uptake of Praziquantel in the context of MDA campaigns in SSA. A total of 2,258 unique abstracts were identified, of which 65 were selected for full text review and 30 met all eligibility criteria. Joanna Briggs Institute’s Critical Appraisal and the Mixed-Methods Assessment tools were used to assess the strength of the evidence. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017058525). A meta-synthesis approach was used. Results indicated publication bias, with the literature focusing on East African rural settings and evidence at the individual and programmatic levels. The main influencing factors identified included material wellbeing, drug properties, knowledge and attitudes towards schistosomiasis and MDAs, fears of side effects, gender values, community and health systems support, alongside programme design features, like training, sensitisation, and provision of incentives for drug-distributors. The effect of these factors on determining Praziquantel uptake were explored in detail. Conclusions/Significance Multiple determinants of treatment uptake were found in each level of analysis examined. Some of them interact with each other, thus affecting outcomes directly and indirectly. The promotion of context-based transdisciplinary research on the complex dynamics of treatment uptake is not only desirable, but essential, to design effective strategies to attain high levels of treatment coverage. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that affects nearly 220 million people worldwide. Long-term effects include anaemia, growth stunting, bladder cancer and infertility. Currently, the main approach to schistosomiasis control involves mass preventive chemotherapy treatment. Current guidelines recommend treating 75% of school-aged children but many programmes struggle to achieve this target. This study conducted a comprehensive review of factors conditioning the uptake of treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa across different levels of analysis: individual, interpersonal, organisational, community and policy. This examination showed, first, that the literature suffers of publication bias, with most studies based in rural East African sites and focusing in discussing individual- and policy-level factors. It indicated as well that people’s livelihoods, food security, and school-enrolment, alongside knowledge and attitudinal factors influenced treatment uptake at the individual level. Various contextual factors concerning interpersonal relations, organisations’ resources, and prevalent socio-cultural features (e.g., gender) further shaped people’s responses to MDA campaigns. Finally, it was observed that the effectiveness of programme-level decisions on sensitisation, training, and drug-delivery strategies were constantly re-shaped by mediating factors operating at lower levels of analysis. We conclude that the promotion of context-based transdisciplinary research is essential to design effective strategies to promote sustainable high levels of treatment coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Torres-Vitolas
- SCI Foundation, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Sanya RE, Tumwesige E, Elliott AM, Seeley J. Perceptions about interventions to control schistosomiasis among the Lake Victoria island communities of Koome, Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005982. [PMID: 28968470 PMCID: PMC5638603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Praziquantel-based mass treatment is the main approach to controlling schistosomiasis mansoni in endemic areas. Interventions such as provision and use of safe water, minimising contact with infested water, disposal of stool in latrines and snail control provide key avenues to break the transmission cycle and can sustain the benefits of mass treatment in the long term. Efforts are also being made to develop a schistosomiasis vaccine which, if effective, might reduce the incidence of re-infection after treatment. However, any interventions deployed need to be acceptable to, and sustainable by, the target communities. Methods In this qualitative study, we investigated the perceptions of six Lake Victoria island communities of Koome, Uganda, about interventions to control Schistosoma mansoni infection and their willingness to participate in Schistosoma vaccine trials. Thirty-two in-depth interviews, 12 key informant interviews and 10 focus group discussions were conducted. Data were analysed using a thematic content approach. Findings Intestinal schistosomiasis was not regarded as a serious health problem because a mass treatment programme is in place. However, the communities lack safe water sources and latrines. Mass treatment with praziquantel, safe water supplies and use of toilets were deemed the most acceptable interventions by the participants. The communities are willing to participate in Schistosoma vaccine trials. Conclusion/Significance Knowledge of a community’s perception about interventions to control schistosomiasis can be valuable to policy makers and programme implementers intending to set up interventions co-managed by the community members. In this study, the views of the Lake Victoria island communities of Koome are presented. This study also provides data to guide further work on alternative interventions such as Schistosoma vaccine trials in these communities. Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma, is still a huge burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The modalities for its control are mass treatment of the population with praziquantel, minimising contact with infested water, provision and use of safe water, intermediate host snail control and disposal of stool in toilets/latrines. For sustainable control of the parasite, the recipient communities need to embrace the interventions. In this study, we investigated the perceptions of fishing communities on the Lake Victoria Islands about interventions to control schistosomiasis and their willingness to participate in Schistosoma vaccine trials. We assessed their knowledge of schistosomiasis, their views on the interventions and the interventions most acceptable to them. We show that the community members of this schistosomiasis-endemic area prefer mass treatment with praziquantel, safe water supplies and use of toilets to minimise contact with infested water and snail control. The communities are also willing to participate in Schistosoma vaccine trials. This information is valuable to policy makers and programme implementers intending to set up interventions co-managed by the recipient communities. In addition, the study provides support for future Schistosoma vaccine trials in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E. Sanya
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/ UVRI) Uganda Research Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Edward Tumwesige
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/ UVRI) Uganda Research Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Alison M. Elliott
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/ UVRI) Uganda Research Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Seeley
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/ UVRI) Uganda Research Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Essé C, Koffi VA, Kouamé A, Dongo K, Yapi RB, Moro HM, Kouakou CA, Palmeirim MS, Bonfoh B, N’Goran EK, Utzinger J, Raso G. "Koko et les lunettes magiques": An educational entertainment tool to prevent parasitic worms and diarrheal diseases in Côte d'Ivoire. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005839. [PMID: 28934198 PMCID: PMC5630154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Integrated control programs, emphasizing preventive chemotherapy along with health education, can reduce the incidence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis. The aim of this study was to develop an educational animated cartoon to improve school children’s awareness regarding soil-transmitted helminthiasis, diarrheal diseases, and related hygiene practices in Côte d’Ivoire. The key messages included in the cartoon were identified through prior formative research to specifically address local knowledge gaps. Methodology In a first step, preliminary research was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs of school-aged children regarding parasitic worm infections and hygiene, to identify key health messages to be included in an animated cartoon. Second, an animated cartoon was produced, which included the drafting of the script and story board, and the production of the cartoon’s initial version. Finally, the animated cartoon was pilot tested in eight selected schools and further fine-tuned. Principal findings According to the questionnaire results, children believed that the consumption of sweet food, eating without washing their hands, sitting on the floor, and eating spoiled food were the main causes of parasitic worm infections. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, lack of appetite, failure to grow, and general fatigue were mentioned as symptoms of parasitic worm infections. Most of the children knew that they should go to the hospital for treatment if they experienced symptoms of parasitic worm diseases. The animated cartoon titled “Koko et les lunettes magiques” was produced by Afrika Toon, in collaboration with a scientific team composed of epidemiologists, civil engineers, and social scientists, and the local school children and teachers. Pilot testing of the animated cartoon revealed that, in the short term, children grasped and kept key messages. Most of the children who were shown the cartoon reported to like it. Acceptance of the animated cartoon was high among children and teachers alike. The messaging was tailored to improve knowledge and practices for prevention of helminthiases and diarrheal diseases through prior identification of knowledge gaps. Integration of such education tools into the school curriculum, along with deworming campaigns, might improve sustainability of control and elimination efforts against helminthiases and diarrheal diseases. Soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, and diarrhea remain important public health issues in sub-Saharan Africa. Health educational animated cartoons can help raise awareness and improve hygiene practices, and thus contribute to the control and elimination of these diseases. For the development of an educational animated cartoon, we first evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs of school-aged children in Côte d’Ivoire regarding soil-transmitted helminthiases, diarrhea, and schistosomiasis in order to identify setting-specific health messages for our animated cartoon. We found that children believed that the consumption of sweet food, eating without washing their hands, sitting on the floor, and eating spoiled food were the main causes of parasitic worm infections. As a next step, the alpha version of the animated cartoon was produced and given the title: “Koko et les lunettes magiques”. The animated cartoon was pre-tested in eight schools and further developed. Our study found that children could retain most of the information provided by the animated cartoon. It is suggested that such a tool, integrated into the school curriculum, together with deworming campaigns in Côte d’Ivoire, might improve the sustainability of control and elimination efforts against soil-transmitted helminthiases, diarrhea, and schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Essé
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de l’Homme et de la Société, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Département Recherche et Développement, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Véronique A. Koffi
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de l’Homme et de la Société, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Département Recherche et Développement, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Kouassi Dongo
- Département Recherche et Développement, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Richard B. Yapi
- Département Recherche et Développement, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Honorine M. Moro
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de l’Homme et de la Société, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Département Recherche et Développement, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Christiane A. Kouakou
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de l’Homme et de la Société, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Département Recherche et Développement, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Marta S. Palmeirim
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Département Recherche et Développement, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Eliézer K. N’Goran
- Département Recherche et Développement, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Raso
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Ouedraogo H, Drabo F, Zongo D, Bagayan M, Bamba I, Pima T, Yago-Wienne F, Toubali E, Zhang Y. Schistosomiasis in school-age children in Burkina Faso after a decade of preventive chemotherapy. Bull World Health Organ 2015; 94:37-45. [PMID: 26769995 PMCID: PMC4709800 DOI: 10.2471/blt.15.161885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the impact of a decade of biennial mass administration of praziquantel on schistosomiasis in school-age children in Burkina Faso. Methods In 2013, in a national assessment based on 22 sentinel sites, 3514 school children aged 7–11 years were checked for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infection by the examination of urine and stool samples, respectively. We analysed the observed prevalence and intensity of infections and compared these with the relevant results of earlier surveys in Burkina Faso. Findings S. haematobium was detected in 287/3514 school children (adjusted prevalence: 8.76%, range across sentinel sites: 0.0–56.3%; median: 2.5%). The prevalence of S. haematobium infection was higher in the children from the Centre-Est, Est and Sahel regions than in those from Burkina Faso’s other eight regions with sentinel sites (P < 0.001). The adjusted arithmetic mean intensity of S. haematobium infection, among all children, was 6.0 eggs per 10 ml urine. Less than 1% of the children in six regions had heavy S. haematobium infections – i.e. at least 50 eggs per 10 ml urine – but such infections were detected in 8.75% (28/320) and 11.56% (37/320) of the children from the Centre-Est and Sahel regions, respectively. Schistosoma mansoni was only detected in two regions and 43 children – i.e. 1 (0.31%) of the 320 from Centre-Sud and 42 (8.75%) of the 480 from Hauts Bassins. Conclusion By mass use of preventive chemotherapy, Burkina Faso may have eliminated schistosomiasis as a public health problem in eight regions and controlled schistosome-related morbidity in another three regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamado Ouedraogo
- Programme National de Lutte contre la Schistosomiase, Ministère de la Sante, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - François Drabo
- Coordination des Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Ministère de la Sante, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Dramane Zongo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Mohamed Bagayan
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Issouf Bamba
- Helen Keller International, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Tiba Pima
- Helen Keller International, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Emily Toubali
- Helen Keller International, New York, United States of America
| | - Yaobi Zhang
- Helen Keller International, Regional Office for Africa, BP 29.898, Dakar-Yoff, Senegal
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Knight M, Elhelu O, Smith M, Haugen B, Miller A, Raghavan N, Wellman C, Cousin C, Dixon F, Mann V, Rinaldi G, Ittiprasert W, Brindley PJ. Susceptibility of Snails to Infection with Schistosomes is influenced by Temperature and Expression of Heat Shock Proteins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 5. [PMID: 26504668 PMCID: PMC4618387 DOI: 10.4172/2161-1165.1000189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The freshwater snail, Biomphalaria glabrata is the obligate intermediate host for the transmission of the parasitic trematode, Schistosoma mansoni the causative agent of the chronic debilitating neglected tropical disease, schistosomiasis. We showed previously that in juvenile snails, early and significant induction of stress manifested by the expression of stress proteins, Hsp 70, Hsp 90 and reverse transcriptase (RT) of the non- LTR retrotransposon, nimbus, is a characteristic feature of juvenile susceptible NMRI but not resistant BS-90 snails. These latter, however, could be rendered susceptible after mild heat shock at 32°C, revealing that resistance in the BS-90 resistant snail to schistosomes is a temperature dependent trait. Here we tested the hypothesis that maintenance of BS-90 resistant snails at the permissive temperature for several generations affects the resistance phenotype displayed at the non-permissive temperature of 25°C. The progeny of BS-90 snails bred and maintained through several generations (F1 to F4) at 32°C were susceptible to the schistosome infection when returned to room temperature, shedding cercariae at four weeks post-infection. Moreover, the study of expression levels of the heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 protein by ELISA and western blot analysis, showed that this protein is also differentially expressed between susceptible and resistant snails, with susceptible snails expressing more protein than their resistant counterparts after early exposure to wild-type but not to radiation-attenuated miracidia. These data suggested that in the face of global warming, the ability to sustain a reduction in schistosomiasis by using refractory snails as a strategy to block transmission of the disease might prove challenging since non-lethal elevation in temperature, affects snail susceptibility to S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matty Knight
- University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA ; George Washington University, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye Street NW, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - O Elhelu
- University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA
| | - M Smith
- University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA
| | - B Haugen
- University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA
| | - A Miller
- Schistosomiasis Resource Center, Biomedical Research Institute, 12111 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, USA
| | - N Raghavan
- Schistosomiasis Resource Center, Biomedical Research Institute, 12111 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, USA
| | - C Wellman
- University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA
| | - C Cousin
- University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA
| | - F Dixon
- University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA
| | - V Mann
- George Washington University, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye Street NW, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - G Rinaldi
- George Washington University, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye Street NW, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - W Ittiprasert
- Schistosomiasis Resource Center, Biomedical Research Institute, 12111 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, USA
| | - P J Brindley
- George Washington University, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 Eye Street NW, Washington, D.C, USA
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