Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Women and Healthcare Workers Regarding Routine Deworming in Pregnant and Lactating Populations

Abstract

Background: In pregnant women, the primary consequence of soil-transmitted helminth infections is anemia which can lead to poor outcomes such as premature birth, low birth weight, and decreased breast milk production. Although treatment for STH infections is relatively low-cost and treatment after the first trimester of pregnancy is safe, treatment rates in pregnant populations are low. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women and healthcare workers can help inform policy changes and improve STH treatment rates during prenatal care. Methods: Cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices surveys were administered to women, nurses, and midwives in the community to assess their perception of deworming and parasitic infections. The regional focus was on Eastern Visayas, Philippines, chosen due to its high endemicity for STH. Findings: The study included 290 women and 35 health workers. Women who were willing to participate in a mass deworming program had significantly higher knowledge across all categories, Modes of Infection (p<0.000), Symptoms of Infection (p<0.000), Maternal Consequences of STH (p=0.011), Fetal Consequences of STH (p=0.002) and Effective Treatment Methods (p<0.000), compared to women who were unwilling to participate. Interpretations: Lack of knowledge about STH infections was associated with decreased acceptability of a government-sponsored deworming program in women and healthcare workers. This study demonstrates a need for enhanced capacity of health workers through appropriate trainings and health education for women regarding STH infections in pregnancy and the importance of deworming. Funding Information: This research was supported by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Declaration of Interests: None of the authors had any conflicts of interests regarding this research. Ethics Approval Statement: This study involved the use of human participants in a minimal-risk survey collecting nonsensitive information. The study protocol has been approved by the University of the Philippines Manila-Research Ethics Board (UPM-REB) to ensure adherence to ethical standards and protection of human participants. As the data is completely anonymous, the study was considered exempt from the University of Pittsburgh IRB process.