DIAGNOSIS BEFORE ACTION: A KAP SURVEY AS BASE LINE FOR A SCmSTOSOMIASIS CONTROL PILOT PROJECT IN KEMISE, WOLLO ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

Abstract

ABSTRACT Findings from a KAP survey as base line for a schistosomiasis control pilot project is reported. illustrating elements of major concern in socio-economic and behavioural areas. The findings show that 50% of the respondents have been informed about schistosomiasIs but only 49% of those informed recognized it as a disease of any severity. Only 5% acknowledged the presence of a person suffering from schistosomiasis in their household and only half of them took the patient for modern medical care. Launderng was found to be one of the most common ways of contact with rivers (60%). followed by bathing (27%). More than a quarter of the respondents have also admitted to the use of the rivers (85%) as well as the protected well. as may be convenient. Most of the respondents use the morning hours for water contact. As far as excretion practices are concerned. 63% of the adults and 50% of the youngsters use latnnes. while the rest use the backyard or other open-fields. The large majority (73%) were willing to partic,pate in the control of schistosomasis. Finally. the need to consider sen"ously excreta disposal practices. water contact pattern. utilization of available health services. knowledge and attitude with regard to schistosomias is discussed.