A Study on The Knowledge and Practice of Prevention and Control of Schistosomiasis Among Community Health Workers in Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT, Nigeria.

The Community Health Workers remain the frontline health service providers in Nigeria health system, particularly at the PHC level. Effective schistosomiasis prevention and control strategies are rooted in PHC concepts. This makes the CHWs a veritable resource for effective community-based control and prevention, and they have been deployed for this purpose as observed in AMAC, FCT, Nigeria. This study aims to ascertain the existing knowledge of these frontline health care providers with a view to improving their prevention and control of schistosomiasis. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study among the 396 CHWs selected through a multistage sampling process from PHCs, FCT PHC Board and Health Department of AMAC. Results: 348 (87.9%) and 372 (93.9%) had good knowledge across various dimensions of knowledge of Schistosomiasis and of control and prevention respectively. They were found to be involved in several community-based control and prevention activities. These include supporting community members access appropriate treatment and medication; promoting personal hygiene, water and environmental sanitation; and providing education on risks associated with activities in the streams and river by 388 (98.0%). 387 (97.7%) engaged in identifying high-risk group for schistosomiasis prevention; collaborating with local authorities, organizations, and stake holders in their schistosomiasis control and prevention activities, and supporting local schools and educational institutions in other to incorporate schistosomiasis control and prevention in their educational activities. Conclusion and Recommendations: Participants were found to possess satisfactory knowledge of schistosomiasis, appropriate knowledge about control and prevention of schistosomiasis, and involved in various community-based control and prevention practice, with recommendation that these should be consistently re-enforced and sustained for sustained and greater impact in their profession.