Korean J Parasitol.
2015 Oct;53(5):561-569. 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.5.561.
Improved Perceptions and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Worm Infections Following PHAST Intervention on Kome Island, North-Western Tanzania
- Affiliations
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- 1National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania.
- 2Good Neighbors International, Tanzania Western Chapter, P.O. Box 367, Mwanza, Tanzania.
- 3Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute and Parasite Resource Bank, Chungbuk National University School of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea. keeseon.eom@gmail.com
- 4Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.
- 5Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- 6Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 34824, Korea.
- 7Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
- KMID: 2381778
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2015.53.5.561
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 > or =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.
Keyword
MeSH Terms
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Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Communicable Disease Control/*methods
Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control
Endemic Diseases/*prevention & control
Female
*Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Helminthiasis/*epidemiology/*prevention & control/psychology
Humans
Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/*epidemiology/*prevention & control/psychology
Islands
Lakes
Male
Middle Aged
Schistosomiasis/*epidemiology/*prevention & control/psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tanzania/epidemiology
Young Adult
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