Knowledge and Management of Helminth Infections in Community Health Centres Based in Soweto, South Africa

Abstract

The rising incidences of helminth infections is of global concern. South Africa has a relative gap in research on intestinal helminth even though it remains to be a global health problem. Control of intestinal helminth infections is based on periodic drug treatments to school children or communities. Helminth infections mostly affect deprived communities, and this remains a challenge with the increased rate of re-infection after treatment. To reduce the transmission rate, interventions aiming to improve water, sanitation and hygiene are necessary, as well as vaccine developments. This was a mixed method survey conducted in two phases to study the knowledge, attitude, and practises of Soweto community and healthcare providers (HCP) towards helminthiasis and its management. A standardised questionnaire was used as one of the instruments to obtain information on socio- demographic profile, daily sanitation practices, treatment, management, and history of intestinal worm infection. In depth interviews and focus groups were also conducted amongst HCPs. In total, 409 participants were enrolled in the study, comprising of 362 General Public participants and 47 HCP participants. Over 70% of the participating HCPs in the study sites were not aware of the South African guidelines for the treatment of helminth infections. A total of 67.8% of the HCP participants had heard about intestinal helminths, with 32.2% declaring no knowledge. Only 19.6% of these participants correctly explained what intestinal helminths are, and of these 3.3% thought that helminths were caused by a bacterial infection. Furthermore, 26.5% had no knowledge of intestinal helminths. A total 73.3% of the community participants indicated that they always wash their hands before eating. Over 70% indicated that they have not been treated for intestinal helminths. This study indicates that there is a critical need to further educate the HCPs to empower the public with the necessary knowledge and skills to ultimately protect them from acquiring helminth infections.