Parasitic Worms: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Western Côte d’Ivoire with Implications for Integrated Control

There is a need to better understand communities' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of neglected tropical diseases to improve prevention and control efforts. We studied the socio-cultural aspects of parasitic worm infections in two villages (Mélapleu and Zouatta II) of western Côte d'Ivoire, where research and control activities have been implemented. Zouatta II was exposed to a community-based approach, while school-based interventions were implemented in Mélapleu. KAP surveys were carried out using qualitative and quantitative methods. Although there was some knowledge of parasitic worm infections in both villages, we found important differences between the two villages regarding intestinal schistosomiasis: there was a better understanding of this disease in Zouatta II. However, even the community-based research and control efforts implemented in Zouatta II were ineffective in transforming the information conveyed into preventive behavior related to water contact. Our results suggest that KAP of parasitic worm infections conveyed by research and control activities targeting only school-aged children have shortcomings as older population groups are left out. Hence, for effective control of parasitic worms, children and adults must be educated and interventions should include access to deworming drugs, clean water and sanitation

Le désert existe aussi dans la ville

Introduction La ville de Nouakchott a connu une croissance démographique spectaculaire. Constituée par un bourg de cinq villages avec moins de 5000 habitants en 1960, elle est passée en 2006 à environ 600 000 habitants (ONS, 2001). Cette situation s’explique principalement par l’exode rural qui a poussé vers la ville depuis les années 1970-1980 des milliers de pasteurs nomades dont la vie fut brisée par la sécheresse et le manque d’alternatives au niveau local. L’ampleur du phénomène est tel ..