title: Improved Perceptions and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Worm Infections Following PHAST Intervention on Kome Island, North-Western Tanzania.
abstract: Schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections are widespread diseases of public health importance in Tanzania. A study on perceptions and practices related to schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections was undertaken among a community population of Kome Island in Sengerema District, north-western Tanzania, where intestinal schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections are endemic. Schistosomiasis and intestinal worm-related perceptions and practices were assessed before and 3 years after implementation of a participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation (PHAST) intervention as a control measure. Data were obtained from baseline and post-intervention knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) questionnaire surveys conducted twice in 2009 and 2012 among 82 individuals aged ≥15 years. We found significant increases in respondents' knowledge of the cause, transmission, symptoms, health consequences, and prevention of schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections after PHAST intervention. The increase in respondents' knowledge on almost all aspects of the said infections was translated into actions to control schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections. This has not been achieved by chance, but due to well-designed and locally-adapted PHAST intervention. We conclude that despite criticisms, PHAST approach is still useful in empowering communities to control water, sanitation, and hygiene related infectious diseases such as schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Mwanga
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Godfrey M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Kaatano
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Julius E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Siza
authors.affiliation: Good Neighbors International, Tanzania Western Chapter, P.O. Box 367, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Su Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Good Neighbors International, Tanzania Western Chapter, P.O. Box 367, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Yunsuk
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.affiliation: Good Neighbors International, Tanzania Western Chapter, P.O. Box 367, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Cyril M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Kullaya
authors.affiliation: Good Neighbors International, Tanzania Western Chapter, P.O. Box 367, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Jackson
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nsabo
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute and Parasite Resource Bank, Chungbuk National University School of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea.
authors.forename: Keeseon S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Eom
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.
authors.forename: Tai-Soon
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Yong
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong-Yil
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 34824, Korea.
authors.forename: Duk-Young
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Min
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
authors.forename: Han-Jong
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Rim
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 1462, Mwanza, Tanzania.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Changalucha
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D062312:Islands; D060106:Lakes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Schistosoma mansoni; Tanzania; behavior; control; intestinal worm; participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation (PHAST); perception; schistosomiasis