Community Engagement Strategies for Addressing Sociocultural Barriers in Male Genital Schistosomiasis Screening: Lessons from the SchistoM Study in Zambia
1
1Non-Profit Making Health Research Organization, Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
2
2Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
3
3Department of Infectious Diseases, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital. Fundació Lluita contra les Infeccions, Badalona, Spain
4
4University of Vic, Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), , Vic, Spain, Spain
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) remains a neglected tropical disease despite its serious health and reproductive consequences. MGS continues to be underdiagnosed due to limited awareness and lack of culturally appropriate information approaches. Myths and cultural taboos surrounding the collection of samples, such as semen, hinder men’s participation in MGS research. We share experiences of using community engagement (CE) strategies to encourage men’s participation in the SchistoM Study in 3 urban communities in Zambia.
METHODS:
Older and middle-aged community members were selected and trained as mobilizers and research assistants. Discussions with men on the types of samples required and the methods of collection were conducted prior to and during data collection (April–July 2025) through stakeholder consultative meetings, door-to-door sensitization, one-on-one talks, and distribution of study information leaflets, while men’s meetings aimed to obtain feedback.
RESULTS:
CE improved awareness of MGS and addressed sociocultural barriers to participation. Employing older and middle-aged community members as study staff facilitated culturally sensitive open dialogue and enhanced trust between researchers and participants. Some older men preferred collection of semen during sexual intercourse, while younger men opted for masturbation. Some men still declined to participate for cultural and religious reasons, saying it was ungodly and taboo to give away semen, while others expressed fears and mistrust that their semen would be used to produce children without their consent or for satanic purposes. One-on-one talks with men addressed concerns and dispelled myths about the collection of samples, particularly semen. Some women supported their partners, noting the value of including men in reproductive health screening initiatives. These strategies contributed to the successful recruitment of 156 men into the study.
CONCLUSIONS:
Responsive CE strategies can overcome cultural barriers in sensitive health research. CE strategies can improve community trust and encourage men's participation in sensitive health research.
Male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) remains a neglected tropical disease despite its serious health and reproductive consequences. MGS continues to be underdiagnosed due to limited awareness and lack of culturally appropriate information approaches. Myths and cultural taboos surrounding the collection of samples, such as semen, hinder men’s participation in MGS research. We share experiences of using community engagement (CE) strategies to encourage men’s participation in the SchistoM Study in 3 urban communities in Zambia.
METHODS:
Older and middle-aged community members were selected and trained as mobilizers and research assistants. Discussions with men on the types of samples required and the methods of collection were conducted prior to and during data collection (April–July 2025) through stakeholder consultative meetings, door-to-door sensitization, one-on-one talks, and distribution of study information leaflets, while men’s meetings aimed to obtain feedback.
RESULTS:
CE improved awareness of MGS and addressed sociocultural barriers to participation. Employing older and middle-aged community members as study staff facilitated culturally sensitive open dialogue and enhanced trust between researchers and participants. Some older men preferred collection of semen during sexual intercourse, while younger men opted for masturbation. Some men still declined to participate for cultural and religious reasons, saying it was ungodly and taboo to give away semen, while others expressed fears and mistrust that their semen would be used to produce children without their consent or for satanic purposes. One-on-one talks with men addressed concerns and dispelled myths about the collection of samples, particularly semen. Some women supported their partners, noting the value of including men in reproductive health screening initiatives. These strategies contributed to the successful recruitment of 156 men into the study.
CONCLUSIONS:
Responsive CE strategies can overcome cultural barriers in sensitive health research. CE strategies can improve community trust and encourage men's participation in sensitive health research.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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