Background: Schistosomiasis or bilharzia diseases caused by Trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. Is one of the Neglected tropical diseases with limited information on the level of awareness among rice cultivator in relation to schistosomiasis infection therefore this study aims to determine awareness of schistosomiasis transmission, prevention and its treatment?
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study done in Kivulini village in Kileo ward, Mwanga district in the Northern Eastern parts of Tanzania was conducted from April-May 2022. Subjects aged were 18 years and above. Convenient sampling method was used in selection of participants and semi- structured questionnaire was used to obtain the data and data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Of 300 respondents enrolled in the study, about 56.0% (168/300) aware that rice cultivation is the cause of schistosomiasis, however about 59.3% (178/300) reported drinking unboiled water as a cause of transmission while about 56.7% (170/300) were not aware that snail is a source for transmission. 83% (249/300) aware and believe that schistosomiasis can be treated, where 53.3% (160/300) reported use of herbal medication. About 62.7% (188/300) aware and believe that schistosomiasis can be prevented, while about 53.7% (161/300) were not aware on methods for prevention.
Conclusion: There is a significant awareness gap among rice cultivators in Kivulini village, Kileo, Mwanga district, Kilimanjaro in diseases transmission (69.6%), treatments (70%) and prevention (71.9%). Also, awareness gap on importance of using schistosomiasis medication (62%) in this high risk groups and this is mainly due to traditional believes. Significant increase in awareness to this group can reduce prevalence of this diseases.
= Operational definitions Rice cultivation Refer to the process which involve rice planting on dry land then transferring the seedling to a flooded land and draining the field before harvesting. Operational definitions Rice cultivator Are the people who are involved in rice cultivation.
= Abbreviations BMC Bugando Medical Centre CUHAS Catholic University of Health and Allied S MDA Mass Drug Administration NTDCP Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program PZQ Praziquantel WHO World Health Organization