The importance of knowledge towards schistosomiasis among school-aged children for improving disease control in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). School-aged children are more vulnerable and susceptible to infection because of their poor hygiene and playing habits in the water. Having accurate knowledge may influence the attitude leading to desired practices in controlling the transmission and spread of schistosomiasis. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Kisantu in western DRC to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices on schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Kisantu health zone. 362 school-aged children randomly selected were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire to collect their socio-demographic information and their KAP regarding schistosomiasis. Results: A total of 362 school-aged children aged children between 10–18 years were included in this study. 29% had heard about schistosomiasis and the main source of information was home 70.5%. Only 0.6% knew cause of schistosomiasis and 13.3% identified contact with water polluted by faeces/urine as a risk factor for contacting schistosomiasis. 76.5% of school-aged children reported going to river/lake and the main reason was for swimming 78.3%, then laundry 17.7%. Just over a quarter, 27.6% reported never use water from river/lake for domestic use. 76% reported never take tablets anti-schistosomiasis deworming and 94.5% reported never use protective waterproof clothes when in contact with water. Heard about schistosomiasis was significantly found associated to age (p < 0.001), educational level of school-aged children (p = 0.02), to knowledge of cause (p < 0.001) and risk factors for contracting schistosomiasis (p < 0.001). That was also associated to attitudes of recognizing the importance to be taught on schistosomiasis in school (p < 0.001) and being periodically screened for schistosomiasis (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant associations were reported to habits to swim/take bath in river (p < 0.001), using protective waterproof clothes when going in contact with water (p = 0.001), going to healthcare facility when passing blood in faeces/urine (p < 0.001) and taking tablets of anti-schistosomiasis deworming (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem. There is a need to insert in the school curriculum and community-based health education regarding schistosomiasis in order to improve knowledge and promoting behavioral changes in school-aged children.