Abstract:

Background: Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (STH) are parasitic diseases that cause significant morbidity worldwide. Tanzania is the second country after Nigeria for harbouring the highest number of cases. MDA using praziquantel and albendazole or mebendazole is the mainstay of the control program. For over 15 years the MDA intervention has not been successful in wiping out the infections. Reports of reluctance and rejection to participate in MDA exists due to side effects. Hence, this study aimed to find out the knowledge, attitude, and practise towards side effects of anti-parasitic medications among caretakers of school aged children in Nyamagana District.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, that involved 401 caretakers in Nyamagana District. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were entered into IBM SPSS version 20, cleaned, and analysed. Descriptive statistics are reported as percentage, mean, and frequency.

Results: Results: The study revealed that most of the respondents 79.8% (320/401) are aware of anti-parasitic medications. Around half, 53.9 (216/401) report medications are harmless. However, around 36.9% (148/401) report medications can harm the child with 9.2% (37/401) who do not know. About 38.4% (154/401) report to witnessed occurrence of side effects following the use of anti-parasitic medications. Most respondents 70.6% (283/401) report to have allowed their children to take anti-parasitic medications, while 29.4% (118/401) report not to have allowed their children to take anti-parasitic medications. However, 15% (42/283) of respondents who allowed their children to take these medications reported that children experienced serious side effects. Majority of respondents, 70.1% (281/401) are willing to allow their children to take anti-parasitic medications in the future.

Conclusion: The level of reluctance to taking anti-parasitic medications is of concern to MDA program. There is a need to for tailored Behavioural Change Communication toward side effects to caretakers as part of MDA activities.