Journal
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH
Volume 11, Issue 4, Pages 426-434Publisher
SPRINGERNATURE
DOI: 10.1007/s44197-021-00010-8
Keywords
Lymphatic filariasis; Onchocerciasis; Soil transmitted helminthiasis; KAP; Mbengwi health district; Cameroon
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The study identified poor knowledge and misconceptions among residents of the Mbengwi health district in Cameroon regarding neglected tropical diseases, which can impact their adherence to preventive chemotherapy programs. Strengthening information, education, and communication efforts is crucial for improving community participation.
Background and objectives Preventive chemotherapy (PCT) is the main strategy currently used to control and/or eliminate onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH), and community participation (through implementation or adherence to PCT) is critical. This study aimed at investigating knowledge/perceptions of populations of the Mbengwi health district (North West Region, Cameroon), in relation to their attitudes/practices regarding the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Methods A household-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Mbengwi health district (North West Region, Cameroon) using the cluster sampling technique. Clusters were selected using the probability proportionate to estimate size strategy. In each cluster, the random walk technique was used for the selection of households, and a structure questionnaire was administered to 2-3 of its members. Results A total of 254 households from 26 clusters were visited, and 514 individuals were interviewed. The sex ratio of interviewees (1.08) was unbiased, and their ages ranged between 10 and 99 years old. Though most of the respondents declared having already heard of these NTDs (41.6%, 73.9% and 90.5% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively), only a minority of them were aware of how they are acquired/transmitted (8.9%, 9.2% and 32.7% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively), or prevented (23.1%, 18.9% and 47.2% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively). Conclusions This study revealed poor knowledge/perceptions and wrong attitudes/practices of interviewees as regards to these NTDs, and these misconceptions can seriously affect the adherence and contribution of populations to the success of PCTs. It appears compulsory to reinforce information, education, and communication, with a focus on the rationale and importance behind PCTs, to optimize/improve community participation.
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