Community perception of school-based mass drug administration program for soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

Akinsolu, Folahanmi T.; Abodunrin, Olunike; Olagunju, Mobolaji; Adewole, Ifeoluwa E.; Rahman, N M Mujeeb; Dabar, Anita M.; Njuguna, Diana Wangeshi; Soneye, Islamiat Y.; Salako, Abideen; Ezechi, Oliver; Varga, Orsolya; Akinwale, Olaoluwa P.

doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011213

Cited by 3 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 34 publications

(47 reference statements)

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“…This resistance often stems from false beliefs, including the misconception that the treatment is lethal or is aimed at sterilization. Our findings highlighted similar STH and SCH misperceptions from studies in Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Philippines [ 2 , 21 , 22 , 45 ]. These misconceptions can impede parents’ willingness to allow their children to participate and undermine the success of health programs.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

“…Such partnerships between health workers and educators showcase the potential for leveraging existing networks within communities to achieve program goals. Partnerships also enhance community engagement, build trust, address resistance, and streamline program implementation [ 2 , 39 ]. Acknowledging and nurturing such collaborations will be crucial to reducing the burden of these NTDs and improving the health and well-being of affected communities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) rank among the top neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally, affecting around 1.5 billion people, primarily in areas with limited resources [ 1 , 2 ]; approximately 600 million of this global burden originate in Africa [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]. Nigeria has the highest prevalence of NTDs in Sub-Saharan Africa [ 5 , 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The effectiveness of MDA programs for STH and SCH is not without challenges; it can be influenced by many factors, including the engagement and perspectives of frontline health workers [ 2 ]. As the crucial link between the healthcare system and the community, health workers play a crucial role in successfully implementing MDA programs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Health workers’ perspectives on school-based mass drug administration control programs for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

Akinsolu,

Abodunrin,

Olagunju

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Background Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affecting 1.5 billion globally, with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. These diseases impair health and contribute to socio-economic challenges, especially in children, undermining educational and future economic prospects. The 2030 NTD Roadmap highlights Mass Drug Administration (MDA) as a critical strategy for controlling these NTDs, targeting vulnerable populations like school-age children. Despite some successes, challenges persist, indicating the need for deeper insights into program implementation. This study focuses on the perspectives of health workers implementing MDA in selected local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun State, Nigeria, aiming to identify challenges and enablers that align with the broader NTD 2030 goals. Methodology/Principal findings The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health workers engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria, between July and September 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found that the school-based MDA control program’s efficacy largely relies on strong collaborations and partnerships, particularly with educators, community heads, and other stakeholders. These alliances and strategic communication methods, like town announcements and media campaigns, have been pivotal in reaching communities. However, the program does grapple with hurdles such as parental misconceptions, limited funds, insufficient staffing, and misalignment with the Ministry of Education. It is recommended to boost funding, foster early stakeholder involvement, enhance mobilization techniques, and consider introducing a monitoring card system similar to immunization. Conclusions/Significance The MDA Integrated Control Programs for STH and SCH in Ogun State schools demonstrate a holistic approach, integrating knowledge, collaboration, communication, and feedback. Health workers have shown commitment and adeptness in their roles. However, achieving maximum efficacy requires addressing critical barriers, such as parental misconceptions and funding challenges. Adopting the recommended strategies, including proactive communication, increased remuneration, and introducing a tracking system, can significantly enhance the program’s reach and impact. The involvement of all stakeholders, from health workers to community leaders and parents, is essential for the program’s sustainability and success.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Health workers’ perspectives on school-based mass drug administration control programs for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

Akinsolu,

Abodunrin,

Olagunju

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

Self Cite

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“…Men may have control over who attends the training sessions even if they are not involved in actual implementation of the new practices. Some interventions such as the mass distribution of anthelminthic drugs often target children but will need support from parents (both men and women) to be effective ( 44 , 45 ). These and other lessons on how failure to understand gender dynamics can affect implementation and uptake of interventions against T. solium have been discussed in two previous studies ( 25 , 36 ).…”

Section: Applying the Framework: A Case Study In Zoonotic Disease Con...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Gender considerations in One Health: a framework for researchers

Galiè,

McLeod,

Campbell

et al. 2024

Front. Public Health

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One Health research and intervention outcomes are strongly influenced by gender dynamics. Women, men, girls, and boys can be negatively affected by gender-based disadvantage in any of the three One Health domains (animal, human, and environmental health), and where this occurs in more than one domain the result may be a compounding of inequity. Evidence worldwide shows that women and girls are more likely to suffer from such gender-based disadvantage. A thoughtfully implemented One Health intervention that prioritizes gender equity is more likely to be adopted, has fewer unintended negative consequences, and can support progress toward gender equality, however there is limited evidence and discussion to guide using a gender lens in One Health activities. We propose a framework to identify key gender considerations in One Health research for development – with a focus on Low-and Middle-Income Countries. The framework encourages developing two types of research questions at multiple stages of the research process: those with a bioscience entry-point and those with a gender entry-point. Gender considerations at each stage of research, institutional support required, and intervention approaches is described in the framework. We also give an applied example of the framework as it might be used in One Health research. Incorporation of gender questions in One Health research supports progress toward more equitable, sustainable, and effective One Health interventions. We hope that this framework will be implemented and optimized for use across many One Health challenge areas with the goal of mainstreaming gender into One Health research.

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Health Workers’ Perspectives on School-Based Mass Drug Administration Control Programs for Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

Akinsolu,

Abodunrin,

Olagunju

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis are widespread neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), impacting 1.5 billion individuals, primarily in resource-limited settings. With the highest schistosomiasis prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria treats 20 million annually. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs target vulnerable groups like school-age children to tackle these diseases. This study explores health worker perspectives on MDA implementation in Ogun's selected LGAs, pinpointing challenges and enablers. Health workers' insights enhance program effectiveness, aligning with NTD 2030 goals. Methodology/Principal Findings: The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health workers 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 that the school-based MDA control program's efficacy largely relies on strong collaborations and partnerships, particularly with educators, community heads, and other stakeholders. These alliances and strategic communication methods, like town announcements and media campaigns, have been pivotal in reaching communities. However, the program does grapple with hurdles such as parental misconceptions, limited funds, insufficient staffing, and misalignment with the Ministry of Education. It is recommended to boost funding, foster early stakeholder involvement, enhance mobilization techniques, and consider introducing a monitoring card system similar to immunization. Conclusions/Significance: The MDA Integrated Control Programs for STH and SCH in Ogun State schools demonstrate a holistic approach, integrating knowledge, collaboration, communication, and feedback. Health workers have shown commitment and adeptness in their roles. However, achieving maximum efficacy requires addressing critical barriers, such as parental misconceptions and funding challenges. Adopting the recommended strategies, including proactive communication, increased remuneration, and introducing a tracking system, can significantly enhance the program's reach and impact. The involvement of all stakeholders, from health workers to community leaders and parents, is essential for the program's sustainability and success.

show abstract

Community perception of school-based mass drug administration program for soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

Cited by 3 publications

References 34 publications

Health workers’ perspectives on school-based mass drug administration control programs for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

Health workers’ perspectives on school-based mass drug administration control programs for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

Gender considerations in One Health: a framework for researchers

Health Workers’ Perspectives on School-Based Mass Drug Administration Control Programs for Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

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