ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Richard Ofori C and Aaron Siaw K*
Background: Ghana and other Sub-Saharan African countries have a high prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis due to insufficient awareness of the potential risks of infection. Despite routine mass drug administration (MDA) in endemic areas, sustainable control interventions require knowledge about the disease, its causes, route of transmission, signs and symptoms, control, and risk factors. Therefore, strategic perspectives or elements for treating urogenital schistosomiasis in high-risk groups include knowledge, attitude, and preventive measures. Objective: To assess urogenital schistosomiasis knowledge (K), attitudes (A), and control practices (P) in four rural communities in Atiwa West District. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a structured survey assessed the KAP among households in four rural communities within the Atiwa West District. Results: The study included 400 household heads in total, and a prevalence of 14.57% was recorded among children for urogenital schistosomiasis. 84.50% have heard about the disease, but their knowledge of its signs and symptoms, transmission, and prevention was limited. Individuals with water-related occupations have a significantly higher risk of infection (OR = 4.063) than those with non-waterbody-related occupations, with males having a substantially higher risk of infection (OR = 2.861) than females. Uneducated participants have a higher risk of urogenital schistosomiasis compared to educated participants (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.24, 0.86; p = 0.016). 26.25% believe that providing a safe water supply would help control and prevent the disease; however, 64.25% still rely on unsafe water sources for domestic use, which will trigger infection to persist. The study recorded good attitudes among participants, but 25.75% and 33.50% urinate or defecate in water and swim or fish, respectively. Although 50% suggested that health education and promotion programs are essential to schistosomiasis intervention, these initiatives are minimal within the study area, and residents still need clarification about the infection status and KAPs. Conclusion: The study revealed that people in the Atiwa West District have fair control practices, positive attitudes, and moderate knowledge regarding urogenital schistosomiasis transmission. To overcome this, intensive health education at both community and school levels is required. Health education should focus on the causes, transmission routes, and health effects of urogenital schistosomiasis. In addition, providing tap water for domestic and pit latrines within vulnerable communities helps reduce the risk of urogenital schistosomiasis.
Keywords: Schistosomiasis; Knowledge; Attitudes; Control practices; Ataiwa West District
