Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis Among Children in Northern Senegal

B A C K G R O U N D 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. O B J E C T I V E S 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. M E T H O D S A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data about children’s knowledge of schistosomiasis, behavior, and preventive measures were collected through a questionnaire. F I N D I N G S Questionnaire responses from 575 schoolchildren were analyzed. Correct answers about risky behavior for schistosomiasis were associated with early symptoms (P ¼ 0.010). Wearing shoes and washing hands with soap were associated with not having hematuria and dysuria (P ¼ 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 ¼ 0.002). A logistic regressionmodel showed that female sex (odds ratio¼0.35; P¼0.01) and attending a primary school (odds ratio¼ 0.13; P < 0.001) were significant predictors of a lower risk of the early symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis. C O N C L U S I O N S 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.