Community Perspectives on Worm Infections in a Peri-Urban Area of Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Soil transmitted helminths (STH) known as worm infections are more than a technical or biomedical problem. They can be linked directly to specific human behaviour in relation to sanitation and hygiene practices. Although these infections are prevalent in Zambia, There is paucity of data on community perceptions and beliefs with respect to STH infections. Therefore, this study sought to understand this aspect from a peri-urban point of view. Qualitative interviews were conducted on fifty-seven participants from Ngombe compound; a peri-urban area within Lusaka, Zambia. The study was carried out between August and December 2015 using semi-structured interviews and analysed by means of question analysis. Wide spread knowledge about the various types of worms was found in the community, although most of it was generally folk knowledge. However, this did not mean that the study population recognized STH as serious health problem as some participants considered having worms as normal. While consumption of food was commonly cited as cause of STH, most participants failed to give empirical evidence linking soil or faecal contaminated food items as direct cause of STH. Although the findings cannot be generalized, the study provides informative reference in understanding beliefs and perceptions regarding STH in Zambian peri-urban communities. There is need for concentrated efforts that are bio-medically relevant as well as beneficial to the targeted population.