Knowledge, Attitudes And Perceptions On The Role Of Water, Sanitation And Hygiene (WASH) In Schistosomiasis Prevention Among Caregivers In Endemic Districts In Ghana

Abstract

Background: Access to Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities is a major public health problem in healthcare facilities and communities especially developing countries including Ghana. Poor WASH infrastructure increases the risk of occurrence of several infectious diseases like schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis has negative consequences on both children’s and adult growth development, pregnancy outcome, increased transmission of HIV, bladder cancer, anemia, infertility, other morbidities and mortalities. The study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and perception of the role of WASH in the prevention and eradication of schistosomiasis in these districts. The study also assesses the knowledge of caregivers on schistosomiasis causes, symptoms, role of WASH, transmission and prevention and recommended strategies of social behavior change for the sustained eradication of schistosomiasis in endemic districts.

Methodology: An explorative qualitative study using semi-structured focus group discussion interviews was conducted among caregivers comprising of 25 community level Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 10-12 caregivers in each group and thematically analyzed using a qualitative data analysis software; Atlas Ti. version 8.4.2. The study focused on districts with high schistosomiasis endemicity. The ethical approval was received from the Navrongo Health Research Centre, Institutional Review Board (NHRCIRB) and appropriate consent was sorted from caregivers who participated in the interview.

Results: The findings of the study revealed that most caregivers had limited knowledge about schistosomiasis. Only a few had an idea of the symptoms of a person with schistosomiasis and the causes of schistosomiasis. Also, caregivers understanding of the role water, sanitation and hygiene plays in schistosomiasis prevention is limited. In addition, there were varied attitudes of caregivers to undertake preventive measure; practice of preventing oneself and household from contracting schistosomiasis; challenges of WASH in the community and treatment options for schistosomiasis which were not appropriate for schistosomiasis prevention.

Conclusion: The study highlights limited knowledge of caregivers which can result in increased transmission of schistosomiasis. Findings from the study established that caregiver’s knowledge and perceptions on the understanding of the role water, sanitation and hygiene plays in schistosomiasis prevention were limited. This implies the need for policy interventions to enhance health education and social behavior change communications among caregivers and the populace for sustained prevention of schistosomiasis while also recommending further longitudinal studies.