Simona Frigerio1, Fabrizio Bert2, Marco Clari3, Giovanni Di Fine4, Susanna Riva4, Ilaria Bergese5, Samba Gueye Diouf6, Rosaria Alvaro3, Ersilia Buonomo3. 1. Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy. Electronic address: simona.frigerio@unito.it. 2. Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. 3. Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy. 4. ASL TO4, Chivasso, Torino. 5. Department of Pediatric Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy. 6. École Primaire, Kassack North, Senegal.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease in Senegal. The early symptoms are hematuria and dysuria. Children's comprehension of the disease is fundamental to preventing the infection. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in 2 rural villages in Northern Senegal and to evaluate their impact on the disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data about children's knowledge of schistosomiasis, behavior, and preventive measures were collected through a questionnaire. FINDINGS: Questionnaire responses from 575 schoolchildren were analyzed. Correct answers about risky behavior for schistosomiasis were associated with early symptoms (P = 0.010). Wearing shoes and washing hands with soap were associated with not having hematuria and dysuria (P = 0.007 and 0.049, respectively). Playing in rivers was associated with the aforementioned symptoms (P < 0.001). Children who had good knowledge of schistosomiasis reportedly did not have symptoms (P = 0.002). A logistic regression model showed that female sex (odds ratio = 0.35; P = 0.01) and attending a primary school (odds ratio = 0.13; P < 0.001) were significant predictors of a lower risk of the early symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the level of knowledge among children in North Senegal about the causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment of schistosomiasis warrants implementing educational intervention.
BACKGROUND:Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease in Senegal. The early symptoms are hematuria and dysuria. Children's comprehension of the disease is fundamental to preventing the infection. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in 2 rural villages in Northern Senegal and to evaluate their impact on the disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data about children's knowledge of schistosomiasis, behavior, and preventive measures were collected through a questionnaire. FINDINGS: Questionnaire responses from 575 schoolchildren were analyzed. Correct answers about risky behavior for schistosomiasis were associated with early symptoms (P = 0.010). Wearing shoes and washing hands with soap were associated with not having hematuria and dysuria (P = 0.007 and 0.049, respectively). Playing in rivers was associated with the aforementioned symptoms (P < 0.001). Children who had good knowledge of schistosomiasis reportedly did not have symptoms (P = 0.002). A logistic regression model showed that female sex (odds ratio = 0.35; P = 0.01) and attending a primary school (odds ratio = 0.13; P < 0.001) were significant predictors of a lower risk of the early symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the level of knowledge among children in North Senegal about the causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment of schistosomiasis warrants implementing educational intervention.