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Alemu G, Nibret E, Amor A, Munshea A, Anegagrie M. Knowledge, attitude and practice towards intestinal schistosomiasis among school-aged children and adults in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:23. [PMID: 38462634 PMCID: PMC10926617 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00584-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mansoni causes intestinal schistosomiasis (SCH) in all regions of Ethiopia. Despite many years of mass treatment, the prevalence has not dropped significantly. The reduction of SCH transmission demands the integration of deworming with safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities. Adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards SCH are critical to practicing those interventions. However, data on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) level in school and community settings is limited in Ethiopia. METHODS School and community-based cross-sectional studies were conducted from February to June 2023 among 634 school-aged children (SAC) and 558 adults. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and KAP data. Records were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Correct responses for each of the KAP questions were scored as one, while incorrect or 'I don't know' responses were scored as zero. Good knowledge, a positive attitude and good practice were declared if percentage scores were ≥ 80%, ≥ 90% and ≥ 75%, respectively. RESULTS Only 229 (19.2%) respondents, comprising 91 (14.4%) SAC and 138 (24.7%) adults, had ever heard of SCH. Adults, males, and urban residents had higher awareness level compared to their respective counterparts (p < 0.05). Only 28.4% of aware respondents knew that swimming or bathing in freshwater is a risk factor for schistosoma infection; 10.9% knew the etiologic agent; and 14.4% mentioned at least one sign and symptom associated with SCH. The majority (97.8%) of the respondents were willing to take therapeutic drugs, but only 37.6% believed that SCH is a serious disease. Regarding risky practices, 89.5% practiced swimming or bathing in freshwater, and 25.3% had no access to piped water. Among the aware respondents, only 18 (7.9%) had good knowledge, while 30 (13.1%) had a positive attitude towards SCH. Ninety-nine (43.2%) respondents had good Schistosoma infection prevention practices. CONCLUSIONS The knowledge, attitude, and preventive practice level towards schistosomiasis are low in the study area. Therefore, strengthening school and community-based health education, along with mass drug administration (MDA), WASH, and a vector control program, is recommended for preventing SCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getaneh Alemu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Arancha Amor
- Mundo Sano Foundation and Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abaineh Munshea
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Anegagrie
- Mundo Sano Foundation and Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Akinsolu FT, Abodunrin OR, Olagunju MT, Adewole IE, Rahman NO, Dabar AM, Njuguna DW, Soneye IY, Salako AO, Ezechi OC, Varga OE, Akinwale OP. Community perception of school-based mass drug administration program for soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011213. [PMID: 37459322 PMCID: PMC10374069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases, such as soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosomiasis, are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ogun State, Nigeria. School-based mass drug administration program is the primary control intervention, but the coverage and uptake of this intervention have been inadequate. This study aimed to investigate community perceptions of school-based mass drug administration programs for these infections in Ogun State, Nigeria, and identify the barriers to their uptake and coverage. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with community members and stakeholders engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found several barriers, such as the influence of parents, lack of sufficient knowledge, and side effects. The study recommended strategies such as improving community sensitization and engagement, drug distribution and performance, and enhancing partner collaboration and coordination to improve the school-based mass drug administration programs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The study revealed correct perceptions of transmission but some misconceptions about disease causation, transmission, and drug safety. Participants expressed a desire for better sensitization campaigns and more assurances of their safety. The study recommends strengthening health education messages and increasing the visibility of on-site medical personnel. The findings have implications for improving the performance of these programs and reducing the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in the community. The study highlights the need for community engagement and education, health system support, and partner collaboration to successfully implement mass drug administration programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folahanmi T Akinsolu
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olunike R Abodunrin
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Lagos State Health Management Agency, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Abideen O Salako
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oliver C Ezechi
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Olaoluwa P Akinwale
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
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dos Santos AJ, Lima SVMA, de Sousa AFL, Vasconcelos dos Santos A, Santos IGDA, Bezerra Santos M, Feitosa VLC, dos Santos AD, Primão JCM, de Andrade D, Silva JRS. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards the Prevention of Schistosomiasis Mansoni in an Endemic Area of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8010034. [PMID: 36668941 PMCID: PMC9864828 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We analyzed the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of schistosomiasis mansoni prevention in an endemic area of Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2021, with 412 participants living in the municipality of Feira Grande, Alagoas, Brazil. Data collection occurred through visits to the Health Center Urbano II and Massapê, through an interview with a structured questionnaire to identify the levels of KAP regarding schistosomiasis prevention. Of all respondents, 70.87% lived in rural areas, 22.66% reported a history of past schistosomiasis and 52.71% never participated in schistosomiasis control program actions. Factors associated with better KAP scores were being part of an older age group, not using rainwater and having no history of past schistosomiasis. Specifically, among the domains, attitude was the highest score and knowledge was the lowest. Participation in a health intervention program, knowing someone who had schistosomiasis and having been informed through a public health program seemed to have an important impact on the population's KAP. Our results contributed to broadening perceptions about schistosomiasis prevention, highlighting the positive impacts that health programs and interventions have on disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano José dos Santos
- Post-Graduation Programme in Parasitic Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
| | - Shirley Verônica Melo Almeida Lima
- Post-Graduation Programme in Nursing, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
- Collective Health Research Center, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
| | - Alvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo 01308-060, SP, Brazil
| | - Aytana Vasconcelos dos Santos
- Post-Graduation Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Márcio Bezerra Santos
- Medical and Nursing Science Center, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca 57309-005, AL, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Programme in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Corrêa Feitosa
- Post-Graduation Programme in Parasitic Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
| | - Allan Dantas dos Santos
- Post-Graduation Programme in Nursing, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
- Collective Health Research Center, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
| | - Juliana Cristina Magnani Primão
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise de Andrade
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-902, SP, Brazil
| | - José Rodrigo Santos Silva
- Post-Graduation Programme in Parasitic Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Urogenital schistosomiasis: prevalence, knowledge and practices among women of reproductive age in Northern Tanzania. IJID REGIONS 2022; 6:15-23. [PMID: 36578524 PMCID: PMC9791118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine the prevalence, knowledge and practices regarding urogenital schistosomiasis among women of reproductive age in Kileo Ward, Mwanga District. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the dispensary in Kileo Village, Mwanga District. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to participants to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics and schistosomiasis-related knowledge and practices. Urine samples were examined for schistosoma eggs using the urine sedimentation technique. Data collected were cleaned, coded and entered into SPSS Version 20 for analysis. Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis. Results Overall prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 2.3%. The prevalence was higher among participants aged ≥18 years (3.2%), those who did domestic chores in river water (13.3%), and those who swam in river water (7.1%). Only a few participants had a low level of knowledge (4.8%) and poor practices (1.9%) regarding urogenital schistosomiasis. Conclusion The transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis was low among women of reproductive age in the study area. Despite a high level of knowledge and good practices for urogenital schistosomiasis, there are knowledge gaps regarding its causes and risk factors.
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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Livestock Owners and Livestock Assistants towards African Trypanosomiasis Control in The Gambia. J Parasitol Res 2022; 2022:3379804. [PMID: 35111338 PMCID: PMC8803466 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3379804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Africa, it has been estimated that 50 million cattle and 70 million sheep and goats are at risk of animal African trypanosomiasis, and three million cattle die annually. Methods This study was conducted in all the regions of The Gambia except Kombo Saint Mary Island (Banjul). Structured questionnaires were administered to 440 randomly selected livestock owners and 23 livestock assistants, and 7 focus group discussions were held for both livestock owners and livestock assistants. The data were analyzed mainly using descriptive statistics and content analysis methods. Results A total of 94.5% and 75% of livestock owners reported having seen tsetse and horse flies, respectively, while 100% of livestock assistants reported having seen tsetse flies. Forty-seven percent of the livestock owners indicated a positive attitude toward control measures, while 42% of them had no idea how to control tsetse flies. On the other hand, 57% of livestock assistants believe that tsetse and horse flies are the main reasons why AAT is still in their community. There was a statistically significant difference between all the respondents' characteristics and the practices done by livestock owners to prevent AAT vectors from biting their animals. Conclusion This study shows that trypanosomiasis is still a major problem for livestock health and production in The Gambia, and it requires disease and vector control.
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