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Masaku J, Mutuku F, Kihara JH, Mwandawiro C, Okoyo C, Kanyi H, Kamau J, Kaduka L, Ng’ang’a Z, Jeza VT. Helminthiasis and malaria co-infection among women of reproductive age in a rural setting of Kilifi County, coastal Kenya: A mixed method study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003310. [PMID: 38829897 PMCID: PMC11146690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH), Schistosoma haematobium and malaria co-infection lead to increased susceptibility to other infections and poor pregnancy outcomes among women of reproductive age (WRA). This study sought to establish risk factors, burden of co-infection with STH, S. haematobium and Plasmodium sp. among WRA in Kilifi County, Kenya.A mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted on 474 WRA in 2021. Simple random sampling was used to select WRA from four villages in two purposively sampled sub-counties. Study participants were interviewed, and stool samples collected and analysed using Kato-Katz technique for STH. Urine samples were collected for examination of S. haematobium while malaria microscopic test was done using finger prick blood samples. Further, 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with purposively selected WRA and qualitative data analyzed thematically using Nvivo software. Quantitative and qualitative methods were triangulated to comprehensively strengthen the study findings. Prevalence of S. haematobium was 22.3% (95%CI: 13.5-36.9), any STH 5.2% (95%CI: 1.9-14.3) and malaria 8.3% (95%: 3.8-18.2). Co-infections between any STH and S. haematobium was 0.8% (95%CI: 0.2-3.2) and between S. haematobium and malaria 0.8% (95%CI: 0.2-3.1). Multivariable analysis showed increased odds of any STH infections among participants in Rabai Sub-County, (aOR = 9.74; p = 0.026), businesswomen (aOR = 5.25; p<0.001), housewives (aOR = 2.78; p = 0.003), and casual laborers (aOR = 27.03; p<0.001). Qualitative analysis showed that the three parasitic diseases were common and responsible for possible causes of low birth weight, susceptibility to other infections and complications such as infertility and cancer later in life.The study demonstrated that STH, S. haematobium and malaria are still a public health problem to WRA. Some of the associated risks of infection were geographical location, socio-economic and WASH factors. Hence the need to implement integrated control efforts of the three parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Masaku
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Mutuku
- Department of Environment and Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Jimmy H. Kihara
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Collins Okoyo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Henry Kanyi
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joyce Kamau
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lydia Kaduka
- Center for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Zipporah Ng’ang’a
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya
| | - Victor T. Jeza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
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Wang Y, Li C, Zhang J, Mao Y, Li W. Protection motivation theory in predicting intentional behaviors regards schistosomiasis: a WeChat-based qualitative study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1295081. [PMID: 38864010 PMCID: PMC11165043 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1295081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Modifications of behavior can help reduce the risk of transmission by disrupting the parasite life cycle. Behavior intension is a necessary intermediate step in behavior change. This study aimed to explore protection motivation theory (PMT) in predicting likelihood of engagement in protective behavior against infection with Schistosoma. Methods In China, a questionnaire for data collection was sent to users who followed the WeChat public account from June 2 to 6, 2023. Factors affecting intentional behavior of participants were analyzed using stepwise regression analysis and structural equation modeling. Results A total of 2,243 valid questionnaires were collected, with a mean age of 30 ± 8.4 years. Approximately 1,395 (62.2%) participants reported that they had been exposed to wild waters in daily work and life. About 51.0 and 50.7% of respondents reported never having been exposed to wild water in the last 3 and 6 months, respectively. Results indicated that prior knowledge of schistosomiasis was associated with the 7 PMT subconstructs, which then influenced future preventative behaviors. Conclusion Behavior intentionis a complicated and indispensable part of behavior change that is influenced by professional knowledge, socio-economic status, and personal characteristics. The effective dissemination of knowledge regards schistosomiasis should be strengthened to emphasize the effectiveness of protective measures against infection and severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yuanchun Mao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key LaboratoryJiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Wei Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key LaboratoryJiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
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Cheruiyot NB, Nagi S, Chadeka AE, Takeuchi R, Sassa M, Felix B, Kobayashi N, Moriyasu T, Masaku J, Okomo G, Ouma C, Njomo D, Njenga SM, Hamano S. Barriers and misconceptions hindering reduction of intestinal schistosomiasis in Mbita Sub-County, Western Kenya. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:38. [PMID: 38745247 PMCID: PMC11092127 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community and individual participation are crucial for the success of schistosomiasis control. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of enhanced sanitation, health education, and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in the fight against schistosomiasis. These approaches rely on the knowledge and practices of the community to be successful; however, where the community knowledge is low and inappropriate, it hinders intervention efforts. Hence, it is essential to identify barriers and misconceptions related to awareness of schistosomiasis, sources of infection, mode of transmission, symptoms, and control measures. METHODS This was a mixed-method cross-sectional study involving 1200 pre-school children randomly selected and examined for Schistosoma mansoni infection using the Kato-Katz technique. All parents/guardians of selected children were enrolled for a pre-tested questionnaire survey, while 42 were engaged in focus group discussions (FGDs). The level of knowledge and awareness among parents/guardians about schistosomiasis was evaluated in relation to the infection status of their pre-school children. RESULTS Among pre-school children, the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was 45.1% (95% CI 41.7-48.5). A majority of parents/guardians (85.5%) had heard about schistosomiasis, and this awareness was associated with the participant's level of education (OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.08, 0.34). In addition, a positive association was observed between higher educational attainment and knowledge of the causative agent (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.49, 0.96). Low education level was significantly associated with limited knowledge of transmission through lake water contact (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.52, 0.97) and infection from the lake (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.19, 0.57). Notably, parents/guardians who have heard of schistosomiasis could not recognize symptoms of S. mansoni infection, such as abdominal pain (91.8%, 815/888) and blood in the stool (85.1%, 756/888). Surprisingly, 49.8% (442/888) incorrectly identified hematuria (blood in urine), a key sign of S. haematobium, but not S. mansoni, in an endemic area for S. mansoni infection. The majority (82.6%, 734/888) of parents/guardians were unaware that dams are potential infection sites, despite 53.9% (479/888) of their pre-school-aged children testing positive for schistosome infection. CONCLUSIONS Despite the high level of awareness of intestinal schistosomiasis in the study area, we identified a low level of knowledge regarding its causes, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms and potential sites of transmission within the community. This study emphasizes the need for targeted educational interventions to address the misconceptions and knowledge gaps surrounding intestinal schistosomiasis through tailored community-based programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngetich B Cheruiyot
- Nagasaki University, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NUITM): Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Project, P O Box 19993-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sachiyo Nagi
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-Machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0054, Japan.
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Asena E Chadeka
- Nagasaki University, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NUITM): Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Project, P O Box 19993-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rie Takeuchi
- Nagasaki University, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NUITM): Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Project, P O Box 19993-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- Graduate School of Public Health, International University of Health and Welfare, 4-3, Kodunomori, Narita, Chiba, 286-8686, Japan
| | - Miho Sassa
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bahati Felix
- Nagasaki University, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NUITM): Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Project, P O Box 19993-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Noriko Kobayashi
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Taeko Moriyasu
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Janet Masaku
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gordon Okomo
- Department of Health Services, County Government of Homa Bay, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Collins Ouma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Doris Njomo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sammy M Njenga
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shinjiro Hamano
- Nagasaki University, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NUITM): Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Project, P O Box 19993-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
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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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Mohammed T, Degarege A, Aemero M, Animut A, Negash Y, Erko B. Assessment of Urogenital Schistosomiasis Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Abobo Communities in Gambella Regional State, Southwestern Ethiopia. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241234731. [PMID: 38414577 PMCID: PMC10898313 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241234731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Knowledge about community awareness and practices related to a disease, among other things, helps to plan relevant control strategies. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of the community in Abobo district of Gambella Regional State in Southwestern Ethiopia about urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), which is endemic to the region. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with KAPs variables. Results Most study participants (90.6%) responded they have previously heard of UGS. Over 95% of the participants knew at least 1 symptom of UGS and 30% knew the transmission cycle. About 15.9% and 26.8% knew keeping environmental hygiene and refraining from using cercariae infested water, as preventive methods, respectively. Over half of the participants (50.1%) disagreed or did not know that urinating close to the river/dam water contributes to transmission, and almost all participants had contact with the dam/river water in one way or another. Education status and history of having the infection were the key significant correlates of most KAPs variables. Conclusion Most of the community members had poor knowledge and attitudes about the mode of transmission and preventive measures of UGS. Thus, besides school-based mass drug administration (MDA), UGS control efforts in the region should incorporate health education in conjunction with safe water supplies, and provision of sanitary facilities to effectively reduce the transmission of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigist Mohammed
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Catholic University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Degarege
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mulugeta Aemero
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Animut
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Negash
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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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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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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Afolabi MO, Sougou NM, Diaw A, Sow D, Manga IA, Mbaye I, Greenwood B, Ndiaye JLA. Caregivers' perception of risk for malaria, helminth infection and malaria-helminth co-infection among children living in urban and rural settings of Senegal: A qualitative study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000525. [PMID: 36962392 PMCID: PMC10021862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The parasites causing malaria, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis frequently co-exist in children living in low-and middle-income countries, where existing vertical control programmes for the control of these diseases are not operating at optimal levels. This gap necessitates the development and implementation of strategic interventions to achieve effective control and eventual elimination of these co-infections. Central to the successful implementation of any intervention is its acceptance and uptake by caregivers whose perception about the risk for malaria-helminth co-infection has been little documented. Therefore, we conducted a qualitative study to understand the caregivers' perspectives about the risk as well as the behavioural and social risk factors promoting malaria-helminth co-infection among pre-school and school-age children living in endemic rural and urban communities in Senegal. In June and December 2021, we conducted individual and group interviews, and participant observations, among 100 primary caregivers of children recruited from Saraya villages in southeast Senegal and among leaders and teachers of Koranic schools in Diourbel, western Senegal. Our findings showed that a majority of the study participants in the two settings demonstrated a high level of perception of risk for malaria and acceptable awareness about handwashing practices, but had misconceptions that malaria-helminth co-infection was due to a combination of excessive consumption of sugary food and mosquito bites. Our observations revealed many factors in the house structures, toilet practices and handwashing with ashes and sands, which the caregivers did not consider as risks for malaria-helminth co-infections. These findings underscore the need to promote caregivers' awareness about the existence and risk of malaria-helminth co-infection in children. This approach would assist in addressing the caregivers' misconceptions about the occurrence of the co-infection and could enhance their uptake of the strategic interventions targeted at achieving control and subsequent elimination of malaria and helminth co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Doudou Sow
- Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis, Saint-Louis, Senegal
| | | | | | - Brian Greenwood
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Assefa A, Erko B, Gundersen SG, Medhin G, Berhe N. Co-infections and Comorbidities of Multiple Parasites and Hepatitis B Virus Infections in the Lowland Area of Western Ethiopia: Implications for Integrated Approaches. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:3369-3383. [PMID: 34916799 PMCID: PMC8669753 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s341100] [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: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the current study area, the burden of morbidities associated with S. mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), asymptomatic malaria, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and co-infection has not been known for the last 20 years. This necessitated a systematic investigation of the status of these infections and their associated morbidities in the lowland areas of the Abbey and Didessa Valleys in Western Ethiopia. Methods We used a cross-sectional study design in three schistosomiasis endemic areas. Systematic random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select households and one study participant from each household. Each selected and consented participants were give stool sample for S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths screening using duplicate kato-Katz technique; blood sample for screen of asymptomatic malaria using malaria rapid diagnostic test and microscopy and hepatitis B virus using hepatitis B surface antigen kit and anthropometric measurement to assess nutritional status and digital hemoglobin meter to measure hemoglobin and interviewed using structured questionnaire to assess factors associated with infections. A descriptive statistic to summarize the data and a chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and binary logistic regression models were used to see the associations. Results The overall prevalence of studied infections was 74.5%. It was highest for Schistosoma mansoni (53.9%), followed by asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection (23.6%). The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni co-infection with asymptomatic malaria was 8.6%, Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths co-infection was 6.2%, and the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus was 2.9%. About half (49.9%) of the study participants were undernourished and about a quarter (24.4%) were anemic. Age group, the younger age group and infection status, those with multiple infections were more anemic and commonly undernourished. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of infections in the study area. Morbidities such as undernutrition and anemia were still prominent public health problems. There was a significant association between infection status and undernutrition and anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemayehu Assefa
- University of Assosa, College of Health Science, Assosa, Ethiopia.,Akililu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Erko
- Akililu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Girmay Medhin
- Akililu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nega Berhe
- Akililu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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