Predictors Associated With Knowledge and Practice of Helminthic Infection Prevention Among Rural School-Aged Children's Parents in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Parasitic infection has become a major public health concern in light of its increasing prevalence in developing countries, particularly in rural settings. Helminthic infections disproportionately affect children, and therefore appropriate parental knowledge and practical approaches to transmission prevention are essential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and implementation measures aimed at preventing helminthic infection among rural school-aged children's parents in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the parents of 449 rural school-aged children residing in 17 villages of the Cumilla district in Bangladesh. Participants completed the survey examining socio-demographic variables as well as questions regarding knowledge and practice of helminthic infection prevention (HIP). Results: Local knowledge about children's HIP was inadequate among their parents (81.5%). Furthermore, actual implementation of HIP measures was poor (42.1%). Knowledge of HIP was significantly associated with parental religion, education, occupation, number of family members, family income, housing conditions, and sanitation system. In addition, practice of HIP was significantly associated with the aforementioned factors, as well as with water source and knowledge of HIP. Conclusion: Lack of concern about parasitic infection among children's parents and their untoward effects on children's health is pervasive in rural parental settings, along with ignorance on helminthic transmission and its prevention. Public education programs aimed at addressing these glaring HIP awareness deficits are needed in Bangladesh.

Geohelminth Infections and Nutritional Status of Mbororo Children 2 - 15 Years in the Bafmeng Health Area, North West Cameroon

“…However, these findings were contrary to those of a study carried out in Nigeria [38], in 2011 which reported that less than half of the participants had appropriate knowledge. These findings are also contrary to the results of a study carried out in Bangladesh [39] where a high proportion of caregivers had inadequate knowledge. The difference in these findings could be explained by increase awareness and sensitization campaign efforts made by health authorities through the creation national control programmes, health information from media and awareness by health staff and community health workers.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis among Village Health Volunteers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Our findings are in line with those of a previous study that documented that knowledge is positively and significantly related to behavior [19]. Similar findings have been reported in many previous studies, showing that knowledge mediates the relationship between information and preventive behaviors [31][32][33].…”

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and associated factors among school going adolescents in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional study

“…Socio-demographic data were collected, including age, sex, monthly family income, academic grade (secondary/higher secondary), relationship status (not in relationship/in a relationship), living together with family (yes/no) and perceived relationship with friends (good/not good). Socioeconomic status (SES) was categorized into three classes based on monthly family income: lower (less than 10000 Bangladeshi Taka [BDT] ≈ < 120 US$), middle (10000–20000 BDT ≈ 120–240 US$), and upper (more than 20000 BDT ≈ > 240 US$) [ 13 , 14 ]. A pilot test was conducted on 30 students to confirm the reliability of the questionnaire.…”