Abstract:

Background: Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease 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.

Method: This study aimed to determine awareness of the existence, risk factors, transmission, mass treatment program and prevention of schistosomiasis in the community. It was a cross-sectional study including 390 randomly selected secondary school students in Nyamagana district, Mwanza Tanzania.

Results: Among them 52% were male, and 48% were female. Data was collected using a pretested closed ended questionnaire. Of the 390 interviewed children, (359) 92% reported to have heard schistosomiasis with the majority (31) 8% citing school as the source of the knowledge. Health being the major source of information 31%. Only 84.5% of the respondents had knowledge about symptoms and 89.7% of participants said schistosomiasis can be treated.

Discussion and Recommendation: Although schistosomiasis was prevalent in the study area, majority of students in selected secondary schools were aware of the existence but lack knowledge of symptoms, transmission and prevention. This study therefore stresses the need for education to raise community’s awareness on schistosomiasis in such settings in order to augment prevention, control and elimination effort.