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Meleko A, Turgeman DB, Caplan N, Baum S, Zerai NK, Zaadnoordijk W, Bruck M, Sabar G, Bentwich Z, Golan R. High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis among primary schoolchildren in Southwest Ethiopia: the need for health strategies alongside mass drug administration. Int Health 2024; 16:529-533. [PMID: 37935041 PMCID: PMC11375566 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis remain widely prevalent in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of STH and schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in Gidi Bench district (Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Republic, Southwest Ethiopia) and the association with knowledge and health-related behaviors. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted. Stool samples, analyzed by the Kato-Katz technique and a knowledge, attitudes and practices questionnaire, were collected. RESULTS Out of 611 participants (mean age 12.8±3.1 y), 129 (21.1%) were infected with schistosomiasis and 382 (62.5%) had STH. More than 30% (n=195, 31.9%) were infected with a single intestinal parasite, while 138 (22.6%) and 47 (7.7%) were infected with two or three parasitic infections, respectively. Boys and those who did not participate in school clubs had higher infection rates (p=0.05). Lower parasitic infection was associated with using a latrine when available, washing hands and vegetables and wearing shoes regularly. Higher rates of infection were found among those who reported swimming and washing cloths and utensils in the river regularly. CONCLUSIONS Schistosomiasis and STH were highly prevalent among schoolchildren in Gidi Bench district. Infection rates were associated with gender, lack of knowledge on parasitic infections and unhealthy behaviors. Findings from this study may assist in decision making regarding disease prevalence and methods of control alongside mass drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asrat Meleko
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
- Department of Public Health, Mizan Tepi University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tepi, 5160, Ethiopia
| | | | - Naomi Caplan
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
| | - Sarit Baum
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
| | | | | | - Michal Bruck
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
| | - Galia Sabar
- The Department of Middle Eastern and African History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo P.O. Box 39040, Israel
| | - Zvi Bentwich
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
- Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva P.O. Box 653, Israel
| | - Rachel Golan
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva P.O. Box 653, Israel
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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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Bartlett AW, Mendes EP, Dahmash L, Peliganga LB, Lufunda LMM, Direito A, Mwinzi PN, Eulogio P, Lopes S, Nery SV. Knowledge, attitudes, practices and acceptability of a school preventive chemotherapy programme for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths control in Angola. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220430. [PMID: 37598703 PMCID: PMC10440166 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control programs require target population engagement, assessed through knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) surveys. We report the results of a KAP survey of Angolan schoolchildren supported by a school preventive chemotherapy (PC) programme, without or with a school water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programme (PC+/WASH- and PC+/WASH+, respectively); and schoolchildren without a school PC or WASH program (PC-/WASH-). Schoolchildren from PC+/WASH- (N = 218), PC+/WASH+ (N = 250) and PC-/WASH- (N = 254) schools were interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographics and survey responses. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to compare PC+/WASH- schoolchildren with (i) PC+/WASH+ and (ii) PC-/WASH- schoolchildren. A lower proportion of PC+/WASH- schoolchildren used latrines and a higher proportion practised open defecation at school compared with PC+/WASH+ schoolchildren. A lower proportion of PC+/WASH- schoolchildren always washed their hands after toileting and before meals at school compared with PC+/WASH+ schoolchildren. However, the PC+/WASH- schoolchildren reported better toileting and handwashing practices at school compared to PC-/WASH- schoolchildren. Over 90% of PC+ schoolchildren agreed with schistosomiasis and STH control and accepted schoolteacher PC delivery. Expanding the integration of both school PC and WASH programs will improve health behaviours relevant to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis and STHs in schoolchildren. This article is part of the theme issue 'Challenges and opportunities in the fight against neglected tropical diseases: a decade from the London Declaration on NTDs'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Bartlett
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2052
| | - Elsa P. Mendes
- National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Luanda, Angola
| | | | - Luis B. Peliganga
- National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Luanda, Angola
| | | | | | - Pauline N. Mwinzi
- Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Pablo Eulogio
- National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Luanda, Angola
| | - Sergio Lopes
- National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Luanda, Angola
| | - Susana Vaz Nery
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2052
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Makau-Barasa L, Assefa L, Aderogba MO, Bell D, Solomon J, Abba A, A-Enegela J, Damen JG, Popoola S, Diehl JC, Vdovine G, Agbana T. Image-Based Awareness Campaign and Community Mobilization in the Control of Schistosomiasis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:309. [PMID: 37368727 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8060309] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Community awareness and participation in mass screening is critical for schistosomiasis control. This study assessed the impact of sharing anonymized image-based positive test results on the uptake of screening during community mobilization outreach. We conducted an observational study to compare the population response to standard and image-based strategies in 14 communities in Abuja, Nigeria. Six hundred and ninety-one (341 females, 350 males) individuals participated in this study. We analyzed the response ratio, relative increase, and sample collection time. The potential treatment uptake and change in social behavior were determined based on a semi-structured questionnaire. The mean response ratio of the image-based strategy was 89.7% representing a significantly higher ratio than the 27.8%, which was observed under the standard mobilization approach (p ≤ 0.001). The image-based method was associated with 100% of the participants agreeing to provide urine samples, 94% willing to be treated, 89% claiming to have been invited to participate in the study by a friend, and 91% desiring to change a predisposing behavioral habit. These findings indicate that image-based community awareness campaigns may increase the population's perception about schistosomiasis transmission and treatment. This raises new possibilities for local resource mobilization to expand services in reaching the last mile in schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liya Assefa
- The Ending Neglected Diseases (END) Fund, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Moses O Aderogba
- The Ending Neglected Diseases (END) Fund, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - David Bell
- Independent Consultant, Lake Jackson, TX 77566, USA
| | | | | | | | - James G Damen
- Medical Lab Department, University of Jos, Jos 930001, Nigeria
| | | | - Jan-Carel Diehl
- Sustainable Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Gleb Vdovine
- AiDx Medical Bv, 2641 KM Pijnacker, The Netherlands
- Sustainable Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Temitope Agbana
- AiDx Medical Bv, 2641 KM Pijnacker, The Netherlands
- Sustainable Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands
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Gabaake KP, Phaladze NA, Lucero-Prisno Iii DE, Thakadu OT. Assessment of awareness and knowledge of schistosomiasis among school-aged children (6-13 years) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:36. [PMID: 36175987 PMCID: PMC9524007 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00267-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a global health problem affecting 250 million people, with 90% in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Botswana, the burden is high in the Okavango delta because of the water channels. WHO recommends integrated measures, including access to clean water, sanitation, health education, and drugs to control and eliminate schistosomiasis. Gauging knowledge and awareness of schistosomiasis for School-Aged Children (SAC) is crucial. Our study aimed at assessing knowledge and awareness of schistosomiasis among SAC in the Okavango Delta. METHODS A cross-sectional survey assessing awareness and knowledge of schistosomiasis in schools was conducted. 480 questionnaires were administered to gather demographic profiles, awareness, and knowledge of risky behaviors. Chi-square and descriptive analysis determined the differences in SAC`s awareness and knowledge levels based on localities, gender, age, and health education. RESULTS The results showed a low awareness level, with only (42%) of respondents having heard about the disease and (52%) knowing its local name. Younger children from Sekondomboro (83%) and Samochima lacked awareness, while children from Mohembo (77%) and those who had health education (70%) demonstrated significant awareness levels (P ≤ 0.001). Seventy-two percent (72%) lacked knowledge of the cause and (95%) did not know the disease life-cycle. Children from Xakao (91%), (85%) Sepopa, and (75%) of younger children did not know haematuria is a symptom of the disease. Older and SAC with health education were more likely to know that swimming is a risk factor (P ≤ 0.001) and (P ≤ 0.05) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although respondents from four schools demonstrated some level of awareness of the disease, and knowledge of risky behaviors, the study showed a lack of in-depth knowledge on the life-cycle and cause of the diseases. We, therefore, recommend the implementation of an integrated approach to health education and improvement in access to clean water and sanitation in all study areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebabonye P Gabaake
- School of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | | | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno Iii
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Olekae T Thakadu
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun, Botswana
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