Effect of health education in the control of schistosomiasis in Dass Emirate Council of Bauchi State, Nigeria: An intervention study

At pre-intervention, the majority of the respondents 234 (66.9%) have been diagnosed, or have family members or community members who have been diagnosed with schistosomiasis. Ninety-six (27.5%) of respondents have good knowledge about schistosomiasis. 79 (22.6%) of the respondents strongly agree that they can confidently recognize symptoms of schistosomiasis. Only 91 (26.0%) strongly agreed to taking responsibilities for taking preventive measures. At post-intervention, the prevalence of schistosomiasis dropped to 55.1%. This was statistically significant at p = 0.043 using McNemar's test as a test of significance. Knowledge about schistosomiasis increased from 27.5% to 87.0% at post-intervention. This was statistically significant at p <0.05. Regarding attitudes and practices, good attitudes and practices increased from 59.1% at pre-intervention 71.0% at post-intervention. However, this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Health education and education level of respondents were predictors of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices scores.