Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Urogenital Schistosomiasis Among Primary Schoolchildren in Abobo, Amibara and Kurmuk Districts, Ethiopia

Abstract Introduction: Urogenital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma haematobium and it is one of the public health problems in Ethiopia. When developing specific schistosomiasis control intervention program, the existing knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) must be taken into account. This study aimed to assess the KAPs of primary schoolchildren towards urogenital schistosomiasis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through questionnaires to assess KAP on urogenital schistosomiasis among primary schoolchildren. A total of 1171 study participants aged 5 to 15 years were selected randomly. Results: Of the 1171 interviewed schoolchildren, 654, or 55.8%, said they had heard of urogenital schistosomiasis. Among all respondents, 13.9% of stated that their primary supply of household water came from rivers or dams and 28.9% of them had history of urogenital schistosomiasis. Using river or dam water for household consumption had a significant association with urogenital schistosomiasis infection history (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that males had significantly higher risk of having urogenital schistosomiasis infection history compared to females (OR = 3.01, P < 0.001). Children in low socio-economic status had higher risk of having urogenital schistosomiasis compared to high socio-economic status (OR = 2.81, P < 0.001). Compared to urban dweller, children in rural area had higher risk of having urogenital schistosomiasis (OR = 4.34, P < 0.001). Respondents who used river water (OR = 2.48, P = 0.005), and lake or dam water (OR = 3.33, P = < 0.001) are at more risk of urogenital schistosomiasis infection. Furthermore, respondents swimming or playing in river water had high risk of urogenital schistosomiasis infection history (OR = 1.62, P = 0.005). Conclusion:This study showed that there was knowledge gap in schoolchildren about urogenital schistosomiasis causes, transmission, symptoms and prevention. Therefore, appropriate health education and behavioral change intervention is needed to create better knowledge among schoolchildren regarding its transmission, control, and prevention.