Prevalence of intestinal parasites versus knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) with special emphasis to Schistosoma mansoni among individuals who have river water contact in Addiremets town, Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundIntestinal parasite infections are major public health problems in resource-limited countries that adversely affect the well-being of millions. Among these, intestinal schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries.MethodsA Community based cross sectional study was conducted from February to April 2017 in Addiremets town, Ethiopia. Socio-demographic associated risk factors and knowledge, attitude and practices of individuals regarding intestinal parasite infection including schistosomiasis were collected from 411 study participants using pretested structured questionnaires. From each study participant, a fresh stool sample was collected and direct microscopy, formol-ether concentration and Kato- Katz techniques were performed. Snails were checked and collected from the nearby study area river. The collected data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bi-variant and multiple logistic regressions were used for correlation analysis. A P <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultThe overall intestinal parasite prevalence was 51.3% (211/411). The most prevalent parasites were S. mansoni 26.3%(108/411) and Hookworm 23.1%(95/411). The prevalence of intestinal parasites among males and females were 54.1%(131/242) and 47.3%(80/169) respectively. The highest proportion of parasite infection was reported among the age group of 5–9 year old participants, at 70.6%(36/51). The prevalence of S. mansoni was 26.3% (108/411) with mean infection intensity of 218 eggs per gram (range: 24 to 1728). Among study participants, 94.4% had good knowledge while 35.9% of them had poor practices towards intestinal parasite and Schistosomes infection prevention.ConclusionHigh prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was observed in Addiremets town and the most common parasites identified were S. mansoni and Hookworm. Most study participants had light infection intensity of Schistosomiasis, Ascariasis and Hookworm infection. Majority of the participants in the study area had good knowledge and positive attitude about intestinal parasitic infection and schistosomiasis control. Shells of Biomphalaria species, Bulinus species and Physa species were collected from the Mytsaeda river shore.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers on Prevention and Control of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Sekota Town, Wag-Himra Zone, Ethiopia

“…This poor maternal knowledge, negative attitude, and poor maternal practice. In this study, the total level of mothers' knowledge was lower than a study that was done in Tigray, Ethiopia in which 94.4% of respondents had good knowledge about intestinal parasitoids prevention (48). This discrepancy might be because of the different study populations.…”

Knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers on prevention and control of intestinal parasitic infection among their preschool children in Sekota town, Waghimra zone, Ethiopia

“…This may contribute for poor hygienic practice, and low level of and 48.9% (43.9, 54.0) of respondents were had poor maternal knowledge, negative attitude, and poor maternal practice. In this study, the total level of mothers' knowledge was lower than a study that was done in Tigray, Ethiopia in which 94.4% of respondents had good knowledge about intestinal parasitoids prevention (48). This discrepancy might be because of different study population.…”

“…In this study 78.0% of mothers wash their children's hand before meal. This finding is lower than a study from Tigray that reported 301(100) respondents wash their hands before meal (48). The disagreement might be due to geographic difference, and availability of water.…”

“…In this study 52.1% of mothers gave deworming for their children. Which is lower than a study from Tigray that reported 299(99.3%) of respondents took deworming (48). The inconsistence might be because of the health education provided.…”

“…In this study 35.7% of mothers extremely agree, and 44.4% of mothers agree on the importance of IP treatment. This is lower than a study from Tigray, Ethiopia in which 300(99.7%) of the participants were agree with the importance of medication on treating IP infections (48). This discrepancy might be because of different study area, that might have different health care services including health education, and health extension package coverage.In this study 44.4% of mothers agreed that IP infection can be treated, which is lower than the study conducted in Egypt that (93.4%) of respondents agreed that worms could be treated (35).…”