Original Research
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis Among Children in Northern Senegal
Authors:
Simona Frigerio ,
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
About Simona
RN, MSN, PhD candidate
Fabrizio Bert,
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
About Fabrizio
MD
Marco Clari,
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
About Marco
RN, MSN, PhD student
Giovanni Di Fine,
ASL TO4, Chivasso, Torino
About Giovanni
RN, MSN
Susanna Riva,
ASL TO4, Chivasso, Torino
About Susanna
MSC
Ilaria Bergese,
Department of Pediatric Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
About Ilaria
RN, MSN
Samba Gueye Diouf,
École Primaire, Kassack North, Senegal
About Samba
MSC
Rosaria Alvaro,
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
About Rosaria
RN, MSN
Ersilia Buonomo
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
About Ersilia
MD
Abstract
Background
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.
Objectives
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.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data about children's knowledge of schistosomiasis, behavior, and preventive measures were collected through a questionnaire.
Findings
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.
Conclusions
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.
How to Cite:
Frigerio, S., Bert, F., Clari, M., Di Fine, G., Riva, S., Bergese, I., Gueye Diouf, S., Alvaro, R. and Buonomo, E., 2017. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis Among Children in Northern Senegal. Annals of Global Health, 82(5), pp.840–847. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.aogh.2016.10.002
Published on
08 Mar 2017.
Peer Reviewed
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