Abstract:

The study was conducted in two rural wards (Bugongwa & Sangabuye) of Ilemela District Mwanza Region, which are fishing communities. According to the CBO (TAHEA) we selected five villages and four schools which are along the lake. In Bugongwa we had three villages (Mhonze, Igombe and Kabangaja) and two schools (Mhonze & Kabaganja p/r school). In Sangabuye we had two villages (Igalagala& Bezi Island) and two p/r school (Nyafula & Kayenze).

The primary aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of using clean and safe water at school and family level among fishing communities.

A community cross-sectional study was conducted in August-October 2015 involve both quantitative data collection (Questionnaires-which were prepared in English and translated in Swahili, with different parts according to the objectives used in a random sampling 260 (140house hold & 120 p/r school pupils) and qualitative data collection (focus group discussion-48 people, observations and individual interviews-45 people). Data were collected and analyzed by computer statistical program (SPSS)

For 140 households results show that 79.3% were female and 20.7% were male. About 116(82.9%) of all participants had a knowledge on clean and safe water. the knowledge did not reflect the age group but the number of female who reported to have knowledge was more than that of male through the difference does not seem to be statistically significant.

On focus group discussion and individual interview it was found a higher positive attitude on using protected water for every home activities if will be enough provided to them. Practically many people (100% of all participants) using both lake water and well water (protected/unprotected traditional wells) at the same time because of few sources, which make them to be in higher risk of getting schistosomiasis infections.

For 120 primary school pupils result show that 51.7% were female and 48.3% were male. About 88 (73.3%) for all participants had a knowledge on clean and safe water. The knowledge did not reflect sex, age group or class level but the number of pupils in school that has protected water (Kayenze p/r school) reported to have knowledge was more than that of other primary school with unprotected water through the difference does not seem to be statistically significant. Also higher positive attitude on using protected water for every activities if will be enough provided. Practically pupils who are in Kayenze primary school 52.0% use only protected water for every activities in school because of enough availability, while others (Mhonze, Kabangaja and Nyafula) use lake water only or lake water + well water because of lacking protected water source in their schools. Therefore it is recommended that community leaders should put this in priority so it help relevant authorities in the ministry of water to plan for appropriate intervention programs aiming to supply enough safe and clean water, so as to avoid diseases caused by using unclean water.