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Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy ISSN: 2332-0877 | Volume: 6
Infectious Diseases
4
th
Annual Congress on
Neglected Tropical & Infectious Diseases
5
th
International Conference on
August 29-30, 2018 | Boston, USA
&
Knowledge, attitudes and practices on schistosomiasis in sub-saharan africa: A systematic review
Hlengiwe Sacolo
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Background:
The World Health Organization emphasizes on the use of integrative approaches in the control and elimination
of schistosomiasis. A detailed understanding of sociocultural factors that may influence the uptake of the intended health
activities and services is vital. Thus, our study sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and practices
about schistosomiasis in various communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods:
A systematic search of literature for the period 2006-2016 was done on Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Psych info and
Google Scholar using the following keywords “Schistosomiasis,
S. mansoni
,
S. haematobium
, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions,
beliefs and practices in Sub-Saharan Africa” in combination with Boolean operators (OR, AND). In this context, we reviewed
studies conducted among school children, community members and caregivers of preschool children.
Results:
Studies reviewed reflected inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to schistosomiasis. Age, gender,
occupation, and level of education were widely shown to have an impact on schistosomiasis knowledge and practices. About
60% of the studies reviewed reflected widespread misconceptions on the transmission and prevention of schistosomiasis.
The disease was mostly believed to be caused by HIV, consuming unclean water and contaminated food. Risky water-related
practices such as swimming, bathing and washing clothes in open water bodies were identified as key factors promoting
transmission of the disease.
Conclusion:
The study concluded that a comprehensive health education programme using contextual and standardized
training tools may improve peoples’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to schistosomiasis prevention and control.
Biography
Miss Hlengiwe is an applied researcher who draws from her experience in health systems research, program designing, and evaluation to address real societal
problems, particularly in vulnerable communities. She holds a Master of Science degree in Public Health where she effectively utilized the structural equation
modeling approach to study high-risk sexual behaviors for HIV among in-school youth in Swaziland. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health at the
University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her Ph.D. research is on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis treatment coverage and efficacy of praziquantel among
preschool children aged 1-5 years in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her studies will contribute towards the redefining of guidelines for schistosomiasis
prevention and control among children in South Africa.
hnsacolo@gmail.comHlengiwe Sacolo, J Infect Dis Ther 2018, Volume 6
DOI: 10.4172/2332-0877-C3-045