Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Schistosomiasis Among School Children in Rivers State
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, particularly among school-aged children in endemic regions like Rivers State. Despite widespread mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, knowledge gaps, risky water-contact behaviours, and inadequate sanitation facilities continue to hinder progress in disease control. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding schistosomiasis among junior secondary school children in Rivers State and examined the association of socio-demographic factors with KAP levels. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 440 students from six purposively selected secondary schools in Rivers State using a validated structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics summarized frequencies and percentages, while chi-square tests were used to explore associations between KAP outcomes and demographic variables at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Only 28.3% of the respondents had heard of schistosomiasis, and merely 17.6% demonstrated good knowledge. Although 83.6% showed positive attitudes, only 49.5% practiced preventive behaviors. Chi-square analysis showed statistically significant associations between knowledge and variables such as class (?²=18.927, p=0.001), toilet availability (?²=33.400, p<0.001), and parent's occupation (?²=63.405, p<0.001). Practice levels were significantly associated with class (?²=59.65, p<0.0001), presence of toilet (?²=150.89, p<0.0001), and proximity to slow-moving water (?²=57.848, p<0.0001). Attitudes were positively associated with class (?²=60.266, p<0.0001) and parent's occupation (?²=29.305, p<0.0001), but not with gender or toilet availability. Conclusion: Despite high levels of positive attitudes toward schistosomiasis prevention, knowledge and practical application remain suboptimal among school children in Rivers State. Strengthened school-based health education, community sensitization, and improvements in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure are essential to reduce disease burden and transmission.
Keywords
Schistosomiasis, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, School Children, Nigeria, Public Health, Waterborne Diseases
Citations
IRE Journals:
Allen Nwachukwu Udodirim Nelly , Nnaji Esther Ngozi , Ugonma Winnie Dozie
"Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Schistosomiasis Among School Children in Rivers State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 590-607
IEEE:
Allen Nwachukwu Udodirim Nelly , Nnaji Esther Ngozi , Ugonma Winnie Dozie
"Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Schistosomiasis Among School Children in Rivers State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1)
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