Impact of a Novel, Low-Cost and Sustainable Health Education Program on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Intestinal Schistosomiasis in School Children in a Hard-to-Reach District of Madagascar.

Spencer, Stephen A, Andriamasy, Emmanuel H, Linder, Cortland, Penney, James M StJ, Henstridge-Blows, Jemima, Russell, Hannah J, Hyde, Kate, Sheehy, Caitlin, Young, Isla L, Sjoflot, Benedicte, Rakotomampianina, Daniel A L, Nandimbiniaina, Anjara M, Raderalazasoa, Gina U, Ranaivoson, Tahiry N, Andrianiaina, Antsa, Michèle, Rasolofomanana S M, Rohe, Zafera A, Bustinduy, Amaya L, Stothard, Russell ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9370-3420, Cruickshank, Sheena M, Edosoa, Glenn T and Rahetilahy, Alain M (2022) 'Impact of a Novel, Low-Cost and Sustainable Health Education Program on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Intestinal Schistosomiasis in School Children in a Hard-to-Reach District of Madagascar.'. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Vol 106, Issue 2, pp. 685-694.

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Abstract

Schistosomiasis control requires multisectoral approaches including praziquantel treatment, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and health education. Community input can help ensure health education programs are culturally appropriate to effectively direct protective behavior change. This study reports on the three-stage development of an education program for Malagasy children, with an impact evaluation on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to intestinal schistosomiasis. A cross-sectional study took place in 2017 with follow-up in 2018 in the hard-to-reach Marolambo district, Madagascar. A novel schistosomiasis education program (SEP) was designed in collaboration with researchers, stakeholders, and local community and included cartoon books, games, songs, puzzles, and blackboard lessons, costing $10 USD per school. KAP questionnaires were completed by 286 children pre-SEP and 273 children post-SEP in 2017, and by 385 and 337 children pre-SEP and post-SEP, respectively, in 2018. Improvements were observed in responses to all questions between pre- and post-education answers in 2017 (53-77%, P < 0.0001) and 2018 (72-98%, P < 0.0001) and in the pre-education answers between years (53-72%, P < 0.0001). Praziquantel mass drug administration attendance improved, rising from 64% to 91% (P < 0.0001), alongside improved latrine use, from 89% to 96% (P = 0.005). This community-consulted and -engaged SEP resulted in substantial improvements in children's understanding of schistosomiasis, with improvements in praziquantel uptake and latrine use. Socioculturally tailored education programs can help gain schistosomiasis control. Continued investment in SEP will help promote the future well-being of children through increased participation in control and treatment activities.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	W General Medicine. Health Professions > Health Services. Patients and Patient Advocacy > W 85 Patients. Attitude and compliance W General Medicine. Health Professions > Health Services. Patients and Patient Advocacy > W 84 Health services. Delivery of health care WA Public Health > WA 30 Socioeconomic factors in public health (General) WA Public Health > Health Administration and Organization > WA 590 Health education, Health communication WC Communicable Diseases > Tropical and Parasitic Diseases > WC 810 Schistosomiasis
Faculty: Department:	Biological Sciences > Department of Tropical Disease Biology
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.21-0220
SWORD Depositor:	JISC Pubrouter
Depositing User:	JISC Pubrouter
Date Deposited:	24 Mar 2022 12:41
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2023 08:43
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/19860

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