Factors influencing the adoption of health education for Schistosomiasis control in Luangwa, Zambia

Abstract Implementation of health education with mass drug administration is advised so as to induce better decision among various populations through uptake of the health messages. However, this disease remains a problem in Luangwa despite implementation of health education. The study was thus conducted to assess the factors influencing the adoption of health education for schistosomiasis control in Luangwa district of Zambia. It was specifically aimed at assessing the scope of health education and strategies being employed in delivery of health education for schistosomiasis in Luangwa. Additionally, it explored the barriers and facilitators in delivering health education for schistosomiasis in Luangwa and finally revealed perceptions of key stakeholders towards health education messages for schistosomiasis in Luangwa. This case study qualitatively explored various factors influencing adoption of health education in Luangwa district. Three Key Informant Interviews, six In-depth Interviews and eight Focus Group Discussions were performed with implementers, health educators and recipients of the health education respectively. The recipients of the health education included school going children, members of the community and mothers who attended under-five clinic sessions. The Factors that were seen to facilitate acceptability of health education include adaptability of health education, community engagement, use of locally acceptable venues to deliver health education, use of teaching aids and learning from others. On the other hand, factors that inhibited acceptability of health education were poor road network, unreached areas, beliefs and myths surrounding bilharzia, the fishing cultural orientation, inadequate income and human resources, busy work schedules and poor access to clean water. The framework used in the study was found to reveal critical aspects of Health education adoption in Luangwa district. However, there still exists a need to conduct further research as well as focus on improving the structural characteristics as are illustrated in this study.