Treatment Failure, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infections among Basic School Pupils

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and Schistosomiasis infections remain prevalent in developing countries. In Ghana, periodic mass drug administration (MDA) exercise has been implemented to tackle these infections, however, information on drug treatment failure and knowledge of the infection trend is needed for evaluating and modifying existing control programs. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) that predispose Basic School pupils to Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections and determined the rate of treatment failure against the worms after school mass drug administration (MDA). A cross-sectional study with a structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the KAP among pupils who had undergone a MDA (albendazole and praziquantel) exercise 21 days prior. A majority of the pupils interviewed had knowledge of helminthiasis. There were significant associations between helminthic infection and source of drinking water (river; p = 0.013), the number of individuals who share toilet facilities (p = 0.049) and garbage disposal into a river (p = 0.015). Treatment failure of 7.2% was recorded for all the helminthic infections. Potential drug treatment failure of albendazole against hookworm infection and praziquantel against Schistosomiasis infection was thus evident within the population.