Knowledge attitudes and practices of grade three primary schoolchildren in relation to schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis and malaria in Zimbabwe

2011

Knowledge and Practices of Primary Schoolchildren Regarding Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, and Malaria in Zimbabwe

Sample size: 172 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Midzi Nicholas, Mtapuri-Zinyowera Sekesai, Mapingure Munyaradzi P, Paul Noah H, Sangweme Davison, Hlerema Gibson, Mutsaka Masceline J, Tongogara Farisai, Makware Godfrey, Chadukura Vivian, Brouwer Kimberly C, Mutapi Francisca, Kumar Nirbhay, Mduluza Takafira

Primary Institution: National Institute of Health Research, Zimbabwe

Hypothesis

What are the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of grade three primary schoolchildren in relation to schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, and malaria?

Conclusion

There is a critical need for targeting health messages through schools to empower schoolchildren with knowledge and skills to protect themselves from schistosomiasis, STHs, and malaria.

Supporting Evidence

32.0% of children knew the causes of schistosomiasis.
19.2% knew the causes of malaria.
4.1% knew the causes of soil transmitted helminthiasis.
62% did not wash hands after using the toilet.
44.8% did not wash hands before eating.
33.1% never wore shoes.
High prevalence of S. haematobium (77.8%) at Msapa primary school.
Reports of previous illness were significant predictors of current disease.

Takeaway

The study found that many children don't know how to prevent diseases like schistosomiasis and malaria, which can make them sick. Teaching them about these diseases in school can help keep them healthy.