Abstract:

Background: Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by parasitic worms. The disease is highly prevalent in both school and non-school children. This research was conducted to determine awareness of mode of transmission, acquisition, signs and symptoms and preventive measures against Schistosomiasis among primary school children.

Methodology: A quantitative approach using a descriptive study design was conducted in Usagara village in Misungwi district where 400 school children were used as a sample. Data was collected by questionnaire then transferred to an Excel spread sheet for cleaning. Data analysis was done by using STATA version 13. Resulting were presented in percentages, frequencies, cumulative frequencies, tables and graphs.

Results: Out of 400 children, 289 (72.31%) know to preventive measures against the disease. 200 (50%) respondents said that Schistosomiasis is not the serious disease and 378 (94.50%) respondents had a history of swimming in the lake and continue to swim currently. Out of 194 who had the prior episode of this disease and attended the hospital, 42 (21.65%) didn’t finish the dose prescribed. There is no association between respondents’ knowledge on the prevention measures, signs and symptoms of the disease and their practices of using lake water for domestic purpose, as the p-value > 0.05 (CI=95%, P-value = 0.222) which means that knowing the preventive measures does not guarantee good practices of use of lake water.

Conclusion and recommendation: School aged children are aware of the disease in terms of method of transmission, signs and symptoms, treatment methods, complications and preventive measures but they still don’t practice what they know.