Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Schistosomiasis among Junior High School Students in Selected Endemic Municipalities in Northern Samar

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a significant public health concern in the Philippines, especially in Northern Samar despite ongoing preventive efforts. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of the junior high school students in selected endemic municipalities in Northern Samar. The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) model is used in this study to evaluate a total of 592 secondary student’s understanding regarding Schistosomiasis. This study employed descriptive mixed method approach and used stratified random sampling. A validated Tagalog KAP questionnaire was used to collect data through in-person interviews and ethical guidelines were followed. While in the systematic review examined all KAP components, the article focuses solely on students' knowledge of Schistosomiasis. Results showed that socio-demographic and environmental factors have a significant influence on students’ knowledge. Substantial knowledge gaps on etiology (31%), signs and symptoms (34%), mode of transmission (30%), prevention and control (53%) and treatment (56%) persist, which is critically associated with poverty, low parental education, and varying exposure to risks. However, quantitative analyses showed that certain characteristics of students’ profile such as being exposed to contaminated water, having a family history of Schistosomiasis, regular intake of praziquantel, participation in mass drug administration and having a toilet at home are linked to better knowledge scores. Although these factors explain only 13.4% of the variation in knowledge (R² = 0.134), it further implies an important role in raising awareness, even when general knowledge is low. Based on the findings of this study it is highly recommended that schools should include Schistosomiasis topic into relevant subjects such as science and health, complemented with regular health awareness campaigns, workshops, seminars, and regular health screenings in collaboration with local health professionals alongside provision of sanitary infrastructure and access to safe water, which are key to strengthening disease prevention and control.