Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Provincial Dwellers on Prevention and Control of Schistosomiasis: Evidence from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in the Gambia

Abstract

Background. Socioeconomically disadvantaged and neglected communities were found to be the most affected groups for schistosomiasis as a result of inadequate safe water and sanitation facilities. In order to inform policies and practices, the present study examined the influence of sociodemographic factors and attitudes on the knowledge and practice in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in eighteen endemic rural communities in the Gambia. Methods. In January 2019, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in which 383 household heads in rural communities across Kuntaur and Janjanbureh Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Central River Region were recruited. A structured interview questionnaire was developed to elicit information regarding residents’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on schistosomiasis prevention and control measures. Percentages, chi-square test, and binary and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify sociodemographic factors associated with the KAP variables. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results. Among the 383 participants, only 14.9% had good knowledge, while 54.3% had poor knowledge, 96.9% had positive attitude, and 57.7% had good practice towards prevention and control of schistosomiasis. Older age (≥40 years), compared with residents aged 30–39 years (AOR = 0.331; 95% CI: 0.133, 0.825); ever heard of bilharziasis (AOR = 11.911; 95% CI: 3.452, 41.099); and risks of contact with the polluted river (AOR = 0.101; 95% CI: 0.042, 0.242) were more likely to have good knowledge on schistosomiasis prevention and control in the rural Gambia. Conversely, young people (≤30 years), compared with residents aged ≥40 years (AOR = 2.503; 95% CI = 1.539, 4.071); residents aged 30–39 years (AOR = 2.880; 95% CI = 1.559, 5.320); and male residents (AOR = 2.631; 95% CI = 1.703, 4.067) were more likely to have good practice towards schistosomiasis prevention and control in the rural Gambia. Conclusion. Despite the low knowledge, rural dwellers’ attitudes were found to be positive with slightly good practice towards schistosomiasis prevention and control measures. Thus, while maintaining health system improvement strategies, disease control efforts should focus on these factors as they may influence the knowledge and practices of rural dwellers in a given setting. The findings could prompt appropriate policy responses towards improving the knowledge and practices on schistosomiasis prevention and control in the Gambia.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Livestock Owners and Livestock Assistants towards African Trypanosomiasis Control in The Gambia

“…This study shows that livestock farmers in all regions and of all ages are aware of AAT and how to control the disease in their animals. This finding is similar to previous studies by Barrow et al [ 29 ], who also reported that there was a higher significance of age and gender in practices that control and prevent schistosomiasis in The Gambia. Finally, 84% of livestock owners reported expending US$ 2 and 16% expending US$ 3 to treat one of their cattle suspected of having trypanosomiasis depending on the severity of the animal's ailment.…”

“…This study shows that livestock farmers in all regions and of all ages are aware of AAT and how to control the disease in their animals. This finding is similar to previous studies by Barrow et al [29], who also reported that there expending US$ 3 to treat one of their cattle suspected of having trypanosomiasis depending on the severity of the animal's ailment. The burden of treatment for this disease further helps to impoverish livestock owners in The Gambia.…”

How Implementation Research Could Increasing the Impact of Integrated Techniques of Controlling Schistosomiasis Among the Poor, Vulnerable and Marginalized Population in the Lower and Upper Fulladou Districts of the Gambia?

“…A study conducted among 383 household heads in Kuntaur and Janjanbureh Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Central River Region found 54.3% had poor knowledge and fair (57.7%) practices toward prevention and control of schistosomiasis [13]. Whereas very positive (96.9%) attitude were revealed toward schistosomiasis control.…”

“…It was also found that older community members were found to be more likely to have good knowledge on schistosomiasis prevention and control in these communities. Male residents were more likely to have good practice towards schistosomiasis prevention and control in the rural Gambia [13]. Besides, another study among school aged children in rural Gambia which included communities in CRR had revealed that being a male, you are more likely at-risk of S. haematobium infection compared to females, though bathing, playing and swimming in water bodies were found to pose less risk for S. haematobium infection [12].…”

Livestock Farmer’s Perceptions of How Changes in Climate Variabilities Are Impacting The Production Systems in The Gambia

“…The Gambia is located in the tropical sub-humid ecoclimatic zone, with annual rainfall ranging from 800 to 1200 mm annually (Jaiteh 2017). There are two seasons in the climate: a rainy season (June to October) and a dry season (November to April), which is six to seven months without rain (Barrow et al, 2020), During the dry season, the climate is dominated by dry, dusty winds that originate from the Sahara Desert (Jaiteh 2017). A total of twelve districts where included in this study and all of them are in the rural areas of The Gambia.…”