Abstract: Schistosomiasis is the third most devastating tropical disease in the world, being a major source of morbidity and mortality for developing countries around the world. This study investigated the public knowledge about the prevalence and complications of schistosomiasis in Abu-Khalifa, Ismailia, Egypt as well as to identify prevalence of the disease among the studied population. Questionnaires were administered to each participant to collect information on socio-demographic data, knowledge and attitude regarding schistosomiasis. Females were making up 64% while the males represented 36%. Primary-educated accounted for 13.0% and completed junior high school was 30%. However, illiterate or semiliterate were presented 40%. The study revealed that the total knowledge rate (94.0%) about the disease. Most of the respondents acquired their knowledge from doctors or television, followed by hearing from others. Majorities (82%) agreed about the high prevalence of the disease. The participants agreed (96%) about washing vegetables and fruits as an important measure for prevention. Moreover, 94% of study sample are convinced that swimming in canals is unfavorable. It is concluded that knowledge about Schistosomiasis in the area of study is mostly poor although there were multiple risks for potential Schistosomasis infections in the area; the major cause seems to be the lack of proper and regular governmental health education. However, attitude of people when exposed or infected is acceptable.
Keywords: Schistosomasis, assessment, knowledge, attitude.
Title: Assessment Of Knowledge, and Attitudes Of General Public Attending Abu Khalifa Primary Health Care Unit Regarding Schistosomiasis In Ismailia, Egypt
Author: Nesma Adel Mahmoud, Rana Belal abdel-Ghany, Esraa Nasser Abd Elgahny, Hadir Yousif Kassem, Nada Mohammed Megahed, Ahmed Abdel-fadeel Ali, Shrouk Sami Mohamed, Mohamed Khaled Eleraky, Yasser Youssef Sobieh, Amr Ahmed Mohamed, Bassma A. Ibrahim, Sarah M. Hussein, Hussein Aamar, Mustafa A. Fouad
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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