Abstract
# Background Despite several cycles of Mass Drug Administration (MDA), however, the prevalence of Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) remains high in Bangladesh. A clear understanding of local knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to the acceptance and utilization of MDA is critical for effective implementation of this intervention. # Methods This research, a cross-sectional descriptive study that utilized quantitative methods, was conducted between February and June 2017. A total of 380 questionnaire surveys were distributed to school-aged children (SAC), the parents of SAC, and school teachers. # Results Out of 160 SACs, 81.9% knew of STH and 75.6% knew of MDA. SAC showed a high awareness of STH and recognized the importance of preventive measures and MDA. In terms of the parents of SAC and school teachers, close to half of the respondents were knowledgeable about STH and MDA. While nearly all of the participants held positive attitudes toward MDA, the respondents pointed out that school-based MDA presents severe limitations, as non-school-going children are neglected by this effort. A total of 68.3% of all school teachers and 56.8% of all parents of SAC found MDA efforts to be effective. # Conclusion STH infections still remain a significant public health burden in Bangladesh. Reforming the MDA policy is necessary to achieve the target of STH elimination.
Highlights
Despite several cycles of Mass Drug Administration (MDA), the prevalence of Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) remains high in Bangladesh
Out of 160 school-aged children (SAC), 81.9% knew of STH and 75.6% knew of MDA
This study illustrated a good level of community knowledge, attitude and practices towards STH and its preventive measures
Summary
Prevention of STH Treat STH Treat sickness Improve health Don’t know. Believes that STH can be prevented Feces as a source of infections Heard about MDA for STH Is participation of MDA for STH is important?. 101 (63.1%) respondents believed that STH infection could be prevented by appropriate measures. While talking about MDA, 99 (61.9%) respondents stated they the heard about it. Forty-five (28%) respondents mentioned that they did not know about MDA and rest 16 (10%) said they did not remember about it. When asking about the importance of participating MDA, 91 (56.8%) mentioned that MDA participation is necessary for them while 60 (37.5%) respondents were confused about the importance of MDA. 9 (37.5%) mentioned that they did not think participant of MDA is necessary (Table 6)
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