Local stakeholders' perceptions of community sensitization for school-based deworming programme in Kenya

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tropical Medicine
• Health Education

Background:

• The National School-Based Deworming Programme (NSBDP) in Kenya targets soil-transmitted helminthes and schistosomiasis.
• Since 2012, the program has treated millions of school-aged children (SAC).
• Community sensitization is supported by a supplement with key messages and FAQs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess local stakeholders' perceptions of community sensitization strategies for the NSBDP.
• To explore effectiveness of awareness creation methods and information dissemination.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative cross-sectional survey was conducted in four coastal sub-counties.
• In-depth interviews (IDIs) with opinion leaders, teachers, and health extension workers.
• Focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents, categorized by gender and age.

Main Results:

• School pupils were the most common information source, but posters were ineffective due to low literacy.
• Religious institutions, town criers, and vernacular radio were perceived as more effective awareness channels.
• Information was often inadequate, and the awareness period was too short, with many learning about deworming just before or after treatment.

Conclusions:

• Effective awareness creation is essential for the NSBDP's success.
• Incorporating local stakeholder preferences and utilizing preferred communication channels is key for programme sustainability.
• An integrated approach including health education, safe water, and sanitation, with local collaboration, is necessary for sustained worm control.