Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Children (5 to 14 Years) in Relation to Predisposing Factors and Prevention of Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections in South West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) diseases are among the group of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). STHs infections are a significant public health problem globally with children being the most affected group. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to predisposing factors and preventive measures for STHs among children 4 to 15 years in Mutegene community. It was a cross-sectional study, involving 250 school children of both sexes. A systematic random sampling method was used to collect data. Basic demographic data was obtained from the class registers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on personal bio-data, characteristics of their home and school environment in relation to helminthes transmission and prevention. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21 and Chi-square test.  The results showed that 44.4 % (n=109) of the participants had good knowledge of parasitic worms, and 62.0 % (n=155) of the participants knew how to avoid getting infected with worms. Soil-transmitted helminth infection was present in Mutengene community with an overall prevalence of 3.6% and the species present included A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworms. Participants who indicated that they played out-doors had the highest prevalence (2.8%, n=7) closely followed by those who usually played in water (2.4%, n=6) and thirdly, by those who always put dirt in their mouth (2.0%, n=5). At the end of the study, the researchers ecommended that health education should be given through community radios and televisions as a means of making the people understand the mode of transmission and methods of prevention of STH infection in order to eliminate STHs.