Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis Among Children in Northern Senegal
<p>Background</p><p>Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease in Senegal. The early symptoms are hematuria and dysuria. Children's comprehension of the disease is fundamental to preventing the infection.</p><p>Objectives</p><p>The aim of t...
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| Autores principales: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Formato: | article |
| Lenguaje: | EN |
| Publicado: |
Ubiquity Press
2017
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://doaj.org/article/76c56017dc074d798b166aece6d170b4 |
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| Sumario: | <p>Background</p><p>Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease in Senegal. The early symptoms are hematuria and dysuria. Children's comprehension of the disease is fundamental to preventing the infection.</p><p>Objectives</p><p>The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in 2 rural villages in Northern Senegal and to evaluate their impact on the disease.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data about children's knowledge of schistosomiasis, behavior, and preventive measures were collected through a questionnaire.</p><p>Findings</p><p>Questionnaire responses from 575 schoolchildren were analyzed. Correct answers about risky behavior for schistosomiasis were associated with early symptoms ('P' = 0.010). Wearing shoes and washing hands with soap were associated with not having hematuria and dysuria ('P' = 0.007 and 0.049, respectively). Playing in rivers was associated with the aforementioned symptoms (P < 0.001). Children who had good knowledge of schistosomiasis reportedly did not have symptoms ('P' = 0.002). A logistic regression model showed that female sex (odds ratio = 0.35; 'P' = 0.01) and attending a primary school (odds ratio = 0.13; 'P' < 0.001) were significant predictors of a lower risk of the early symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>This study revealed that the level of knowledge among children in North Senegal about the causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment of schistosomiasis warrants implementing educational intervention. |
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