Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of intermittent deworming in Alakahia Community, Rivers State, Nigeria

摘要

Soil transmitted helminth infections (STHIs) are a major problem in tropical countries of which Nigeria is one. Periodic deworming has been shown to reduce morbidity associated with these infections. This study seeks to assess people-s knowledge as well as attitudes and practices of intermittent deworming in Alakahia community in Rivers State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered randomly to 305 participants and subsequently 35 caregivers for children less than five years were interviewed on their knowledge of transmission and symptoms of STHIs. Results show that regardless of the high level of knowledge of the benefits of deworming by more than 80 % of the respondents, the actual practice of periodic deworming was poor, 52.4 % and 60.2 %, respectively in adults and children. Level of knowledge of deworming increased with level of education. Less than 60% of interviewed respondents knew the modes of transmission of STHIs and symptoms of infection. Findings show that knowledge of deworming does not translate to practice. In order to reverse this trend, it is recommended that social marketing and intensive awareness campaign be implemented to promote periodic de-worming practices. Development of free mass deworming programmes for the people at higher risk by government and other stakeholders is also advocated.