Background: Schistosomiasis seriously endangers the health of African people, hinders local economic and social development, and becomes a serious local public health problem. However, in addition to preventive chemotherapy, other social, environmental and health promotion measures are progressing slowly, lack of sanitation, treated water, and systematic health education, the people are still at risk of infection. In 2011, a survey of 24 school in Zanzibar showed that the average infection rate of Schistosoma haematobium was 8% (0-38%) in Unguja, and was 15% (1-43%) in Pemba. Methods: According to the shape of the island, the island is divided into three regions: the south, the middle, and the north. A Shehia in the southern, central and northern parts of Pemba Island was randomly selected respectively, the schistosomiasis health education session was conducted in primary and secondary schools of the selected Shehias. The students were randomly selected for schistosomiasis cognitive level test by designed questionnaire including 8 knowledge questions and 4 behavior questions before and after health education, through a chi-square test of the awareness rate and the correct behavior rate of schistosomiasis before and after the health education, the effect of health education session was evaluated. Result: A total 712 students were sampled before and after the health education in 8 schools. Before the health education session, the awareness rates of schistosomiasis were 64.62% and 68.75% among primary and secondary school respectively. After the session, the awareness rates increased to 79.74% and 84.70% respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=179.3, P<0.0001). Before the sessions, the correct behavior rates were 63.96% and 54.79% among boys and girls. After the sessions, the correct behavior rates increased to 82.83% and 76.58%, and the difference was also statistically significant (χ2=143.8, P<0.0001). Conclusion: The awareness rate and correct behavior rate of schistosomiasis were low in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, hence the schistosomiasis health education needs to be strengthened. The schistosomiasis health education session has an obvious effect on the improvement of cognitive level of schistosomiasis among local students. This method can be promoted and implemented in local schools with the effort of local health and education departments.

Background: Schistosomiasis seriously endangers the health of African people, hinders local economic and social development, and becomes a serious local public health problem. Since 1994, the Zanzibar government has implemented preventive chemotherapy measures, and the infection rate of the population has been declining. However, due to the singularity of prevention and control measures, the current situation of prevention and control of schistosomiasis is still very serious. This study was to analyze the effects of health education sessions in primary and secondary schools in Pemba Island, Zanzibar. Methods: 5 primary and 3 secondary schools were selected, and schistosomiasis health education sessions were carried out. Students were randomly selected for cognitive level test including 8 knowledge questions and 4 behavior questions before and after the sessions, thereafter the effect of health education was evaluated. Result : A total 712 students were sampled before and after the health education in 8 schools. Before the health education session, the awareness rates for schistosomiasis were 64.62% and 68.75% among primary and secondary school, respectively. After the session, the awareness rates increased to 79.74% and 84.70%, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 =8.23, P=0.0041). Before the sessions, the behavioral correctness rates were 63.96% and 54.79% among boys and girls. After the sessions, the behavioral correctness rates increased to 82.83% and 76.58%, and the difference was also statistically significant (χ 2 =143.84, P<0.0001). Conclusion : The current awareness and behavioral correctness rates of schistosomiasis were low in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, hence health education needs to be strengthened. The schistosomiasis health education sessions can improve the current cognitive level of schistosomiasis for students. Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Health education sessions, Effect analysis, Zanzibar