Knowledge, attitudes and management practices related to urogenital schistosomiasis in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background

Urogenital schistosomiasis remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities with high freshwater contact. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and management practices (KAP) related to urogenital schistosomiasis among residents of three endemic Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ebonyi State.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analysed using frequencies and percentages. For questions permitting more than one response, each option was treated as a separate binary indicator and summarised as a percentage of eligible respondents.

Results

Of the 800 respondents, 578 (72.3%) reported awareness of urogenital schistosomiasis. Among respondents reporting awareness, health clinics or hospitals were the most frequently reported source of information (302/578; 52.2%). Swimming or bathing in infested water was selected by 260 respondents (32.5%) as a transmission route, while 213 (26.6%) identified haematuria as a symptom. Avoiding swimming in rivers was selected by 310 (38.8%) as a preventive measure. Among the 654 respondents with a recorded answer about preventability, 349 (53.4%) believed that the disease could not be prevented. Health-centre or hospital care was reported by 270 respondents (33.8%), while 226 (28.3%) reported using patent medicine stores. Multiple-response findings were interpreted descriptively.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate a gap between general awareness and accurate knowledge of urogenital schistosomiasis. Community-focused education, improved access to safe water and sanitation, and strengthened mass drug administration programmes are needed.