Improved Perceptions and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Worm Infections Following PHAST Intervention on Kome Island, North-Western Tanzania

Abstract

Schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections are widespread diseases of public health importance in Tanzania. A study on perceptions and practices related to schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections was undertaken among a community population of Kome Island in Sengerema District, north-western Tanzania, where intestinal schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections are endemic. Schistosomiasis and intestinal worm-related perceptions and practices were assessed before and 3 years after implementation of a participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation (PHAST) intervention as a control measure. Data were obtained from baseline and post-intervention knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) questionnaire surveys conducted twice in 2009 and 2012 among 82 individuals aged ≥15 years. We found significant increases in respondents’ knowledge of the cause, transmission, symptoms, health consequences, and prevention of schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections after PHAST intervention. The increase in respondents’ knowledge on almost all aspects of the said infections was translated into actions to control schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections. This has not been achieved by chance, but due to well-designed and locally-adapted PHAST intervention. We conclude that despite criticisms, PHAST approach is still useful in empowering communities to control water, sanitation, and hygiene related infectious diseases such as schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections.

Integrated Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Control over Five Years on Kome Island, Tanzania

“…After implementation of PHAST health education, a similar follow-up survey was also conducted among the same individuals during December 2012, who participated in the baseline survey. The detail of this survey and implementation has been explained elsewhere [ 14 ].…”

Community knowledge, perceptions and water contact practices associated with transmission of urinary schistosomiasis in an endemic region: a qualitative cross-sectional study

“…Further, correct knowledge, attitude and practices of community members in endemic areas have a significant role to play in achieving success of the planned control interventions and achieve sustainable control of the disease [18]. Health education and encouragement of behavioral change, in addition to a chemotherapy approach, are likely to become key elements in future elimination efforts [19–22]. Even though introduction of alternative water supply in resource limited settings is expensive and sometimes lacks priority [16] , reduction of contact with infectious water as one of the schistosomiasis control strategies is even more complicated in these settings, requiring a community adapted approach to facilitate control and elimination.…”

Knowledge, practices and perceptions of geo-helminthes infection among parents of pre-school age children of coastal region, Kenya

“…However, lack of sanitation, poor water supply and unclean practices contribute to the spread of all intestinal helminthes infections in the community. In recognition of the burden helminthes infections impose on human populations, particularly the poor, major intervention programmes have been launched to control them [ 10 ]. Although reductions in the prevalence and morbidity have been achieved through chemotherapy, it is generally accepted that improvements in domestic water supplies, environmental sanitation, health education, access to health services for diagnosis and treatment must be integrated in control and elimination programmes to assure their effectiveness [ 11 ].…”