COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS ON NATIONAL SCHOOL-BASED DE-WORMING PROGRAMME

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant global health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• School-based de-worming programs are a key strategy for controlling STH infections in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess community knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding soil-transmitted helminth infections.
• To evaluate community awareness and perception of the national school-based de-worming program in Kenya.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected villages of Busia County, Kenya.
• 384 participants were interviewed about their knowledge of STH, its causes, effects, prevention, and the de-worming program.
• Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of STH, awareness and satisfaction with the de-worming program, and health-seeking behaviors.

Main Results:

• Key perceived causes of STH infections included eating uncooked food, not using latrines, and consuming contaminated food or water.
• Over 99% of parents were aware of the national school-based de-worming program, with 92% learning about it after their children were de-wormed.
• 75% of parents were satisfied with the program, with 65.1% believing it improved children's health and 10.3% reporting improved school performance.

Conclusions:

• A significant knowledge gap exists among community members regarding the causes, signs, and symptoms of intestinal worm infections.
• Low educational and poverty levels appear to contribute to the lack of awareness and adherence to prevention measures.
• Despite knowledge gaps, community perception of the school-based de-worming program is positive, with recognized benefits for children's health and academic performance.