Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards the Prevention and Control of Schistosomiasis Amongst the Community at Butiaba Landing Site, Buliisa District

ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis is an “emerging tragedy in our new global health decade” being endemic in 76 countries of the world affecting about 200 million people of the 700 million people living in the endemic areas. Even with readily available drugs, the pervasiveness of the intermediate host snails and the ease at which re-infection occurs; its control still presents an important challenge for public health services around the world. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst the residents of Piida B village, Butiaba landing site towards the prevention and control of Schistosomiasis. I conducted a cross sectional qualitative study where a population of 246 respondents were interviewed using pre-coded questionnaires. The demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices were then established and data generated and presented using tables, graphs and charts. I found out that over 87% of the respondents had some general knowledge about Schistosomiasis although 206 (84%) had no or very low level (primary school dropout) of formal Education and fishing was the main occupation 101 (41%). There was also continuous contamination of the lake with faecal matter with 83 (74%) reported defaecating either in the lake or nearby bush at lakeshore while in water, as well as contact with lake water amongst 235 (96%) without the use of any protective gadgets amongst 190 (90%) with 197 (93%) accepted uptake of PZQ tablets during mass deworming. In conclusion in spite of the good general knowledge about Schistosomiasis, its prevention and control still possess a big challenge. I recommend continuous Health Education on proper disposal of human faeces and urine; avoid contact with lake water or use of protective gadgets as well as annual mass deworming.