Abstract

PERCEPTION OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS BY THE PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN THE PEDIATRIC WARD IN THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF FIANARANTSOA

TP Ramamonjinirina*, ML Rakotomahefa Narison, HA Andrianampy, EF Miha- Nantenaina and SH Raobijaona

Abstract

Introduction: Bilharzia is an endemic and chronic parasitosis with slow progression, high mortality due to severe or even fatal complications. Methods: We carried out a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study, using a pre-tested questionnaire, over a period of 1 month, including parents who had stayed in the Fianarantsoa pediatric ward. Results: This survey was carried out on 161 parents. The main sign of intestinal bilharzia was known by 65% of the parents. The mode of contamination of bilharzia was poorly known, as only 50% of parents identified contact with water or the river as the source of bilharzia contamination. The urinary form was known by 24% of the parents. The most commonly reported preventive measure (50%) was eviction from contact with water or the river. When glairosanguinolent diarrhea occurs, 25% of parents did not consult a doctor. Conclusion: These results show that bilharzia was poorly known to parents in the study area.

Keywords: Bilharzia; conduct-attitudes-practices; Fianarantsoa; parents.