title: Factors influencing community participation in control and related operational research for urogenital schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in rural villages of Kwale County, coastal Kenya.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  helminthic infections caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomes are among the most prevalent afflictions of humans who live in areas of poverty. An operational research was undertaken in 5 villages of Kwale County during a pilot control programme which included both the adults and school going children. Willingness of community members to participate in the treatment as well as in the research is critical. A cross sectional study sought to determine factors influencing community participation in control and related operational research and assess the treatment coverage for urogenital schistosomiasis and hookworms in rural villages of Kwale County.
  
  
  METHODS
  cross-sectional survey utilized quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A total of 220 households were recruited and household heads interviewed. Bivariate analysis was used to test association between different independent and dependent factors. Multivariate analysis was done using binary logistic regression to control for confounders and effect modification. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  religion and levels of income were significantly (P =0.04 and P = 0.026 respectively) associated with participation in the research and control programme, history of ever suffering from schistosomiasis and intestinal worms was found to be significantly (P = 0.008) associated with participation in the research. The study established that 82% (178) of the respondents received treatment for urogenital schistosomiasis and hookworms and 67% (146) of the respondents had participated in the research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  this information will be useful in promoting health, enhancing learning and behaviour changes which will lead to increased community participation in similar disease control.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
authors.forename: Jacinta Wairimu
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Macharia
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied sciences, Department of Academics, Deputy Vice Chancellor office, Southern and Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya.
authors.forename: Zipporah W
authors.initials: ZW
authors.lastname: Ng'ang'a
authors.affiliation: Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Sammy Michugu
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Njenga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006725:Hookworm Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011203:Poverty; D012424:Rural Population; D012553:Schistosomiasis haematobia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D012987:Soil
keywords: Kenya; Urogenital schistosomiasis; helminthes