Awareness campaigns adapted to urinary schistosomiasis: a public health need in the health district of Kéniéba, Mali

Abstract

Introduction: In Kéniéba health district (HD), its prevalence is 83.61% despite many campaigns of mass drug administration (MDA). This study assessed the factors associated with schistosomiasis knowledge among school-age children and adults in the HD of Kéniéba.

Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted using mixed methods from May to July 2019 in the Kéniéba HD, in 9-14 years and adults aged of 15 to 65 years. Logistic regression, focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted to study factors associated with schistosomiasis knowledge.

Results: Of the 822 participants in the study, 55.1% (86/156) were male in 9 to 14 years old and females accounted for 58% (386/666) in adults with a median age of 33 years for all participants. A total of 51.2% (421/822) were unschooled. Gender, age, risk of acquiring schistosomiasis, information channel, participation in previous MDA and knowledge of the mode of transmission were statistically associated with knowledge of schistosomiasis.
Conclusions: The study reported poor knowledge of schistosomiasis playing role as a barrier to the control of schistosomiasis. Thus, intensive health education adapted to socio-cultural conditions is necessary for behavioral change.