Prevalence, infection intensity and associated risk factors of Intestinal Schistosomiasis among primary school Children in Lira District, Northern Uganda

Byagamy, John Paul; Malinga, Geoffrey M.; Angwech, Harriet; Opiro, Robert; Echodu, Richard; Odongo-Aginya, Emmanuel Igwaro

doi:10.21203/rs.2.12679/v2

Cited by 1 publication

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“…Studies conducted in the eastern and central part of the country, especially along Lake Victoria, suggest that limited understanding of socio-cultural factors including the KAPs regarding schistosomiasis infection and prevention inhibit effective intervention strategies [ 3 , 11 , 23 , 27 ]. Although Lake Albert in western Uganda falls under a moderately and highly endemic region where at least 5 out of every 10 persons are said to be infected with schistosomiasis [ 3 , 28 ], there is a paucity of literature on community KAP regarding the disease. Based on this background, we set out to assess the current level of KAP regarding schistosomiasis infection and prevention, and to understand the communities’ views and perspectives to facilitate the development and implementation of effective awareness strategies.…”

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confidence: 99%

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding schistosomiasis infection and prevention: A mixed-methods study among endemic communities of western Uganda

et al. 2022

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Introduction In Uganda, schistosomiasis (re)infections have continued to remain high despite the implementation of mass drug administration and sensitization campaigns aimed at controlling the disease. This could imply that there are some barriers to the implemented preventive measures. We conducted a mixed-methods study in Kagadi and Ntoroko districts around Lake Albert to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding schistosomiasis and to explore and understand perspectives regarding the disease. Materials and methods Semi-structured survey questionnaires were administered to 337 household adults selected through systematic random sampling. We also interviewed 12 participants and held 28 focus-group discussion sessions with 251 individuals respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests for associations, while themes and sub-themes were used to analyse qualitative data respectively. Findings A total of 98.5%, 81.3%, and 78.5% had heard about schistosomiasis, and knew the main transmission modes and symptoms, respectively. The majority (75.8%) said avoiding contact with water was a preventative way, while 67.5% said observing signs and symptoms was a form of diagnosis. Furthermore, 98.4% and 73.4% said it was important to defecate in latrines and to avoid contact with contaminated water respectively. However, it is difficult to avoid contact with lake water because it is the only source of livelihood, especially for fisher communities. Open defecation is commonly practiced along the lake due to insufficient space and difficulties in the construction of latrines. Myths and misconceptions reported include; lake water is safe, gassing in water causes transmission, fetching water early in the morning and from deep water is safe, and feces in the lake water act as a bait for catching fish. Conclusions and recommendations Despite adequate knowledge of schistosomiasis and a positive attitude towards its prevention, existing myths and misconceptions, coupled with persistent risky water, sanitation, and hygiene practices still pose a challenge. A more robust community-based awareness intervention using bottom-up participatory approaches, accompanied by the provision of clean and safe water sources and increasing latrine coverage, could provide lasting solutions to these barriers.

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