Impact of an educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practices of community members on schistosomiasis in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
1
Environmental Health, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
2
Institute for Coastal and Marine Research and Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
3
Academy of Science of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
4
Computing, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
schistosomiasis disproportionately affects populations living in low socio-economic settings with inadequate access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). transmission is closely linked to community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to water contact and disease prevention, with health education playing a critical role in behaviour change. this study assessed community KAP on schistosomiasis in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, and evaluated the impact of a targeted educational intervention.
METHODS:
a quantitative cross-sectional design with pre- and post-intervention assessments was employed in the Kariega and Kwa Nobuhle communities. adults aged 18–65 years residing within 5 km of selected water bodies were recruited. a structured questionnaire was administered before the intervention and repeated three months afterwards. data were collected using questionpro and analysed using microsoft office 365 (2019) and r software (v4.3.1).
RESULTS:
a total of 380 participants completed both assessments (51.1% males; 48.7% females). prior to the intervention, 91.3% of respondents reported no knowledge of schistosomiasis. post-intervention, mean knowledge scores increased significantly (mean difference = 7.2 ± 2.5; p < 0.001), alongside improvements in attitudes (mean difference = 1.2 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). mean practice scores declined from 12.0 ± 2.5 to 2.1 ± 0.5, reflecting a substantial reduction in high-risk behaviours (p < 0.001). knowledge and attitude were positively correlated pre-intervention (r = 0.23; p < 0.001), while post-intervention attitudes were negatively correlated with unsafe practices (r = −0.13; p = 0.013). higher educational attainment predicted greater knowledge, while longer residence duration was associated with poorer practices. several socio-demographic factors influenced post-intervention attitudes.
CONCLUSIONS:
the educational intervention significantly improved KAP related to schistosomiasis. sustained recall of key prevention messages after three months underscores the effectiveness of community-based health education in endemic settings.
schistosomiasis disproportionately affects populations living in low socio-economic settings with inadequate access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). transmission is closely linked to community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to water contact and disease prevention, with health education playing a critical role in behaviour change. this study assessed community KAP on schistosomiasis in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, and evaluated the impact of a targeted educational intervention.
METHODS:
a quantitative cross-sectional design with pre- and post-intervention assessments was employed in the Kariega and Kwa Nobuhle communities. adults aged 18–65 years residing within 5 km of selected water bodies were recruited. a structured questionnaire was administered before the intervention and repeated three months afterwards. data were collected using questionpro and analysed using microsoft office 365 (2019) and r software (v4.3.1).
RESULTS:
a total of 380 participants completed both assessments (51.1% males; 48.7% females). prior to the intervention, 91.3% of respondents reported no knowledge of schistosomiasis. post-intervention, mean knowledge scores increased significantly (mean difference = 7.2 ± 2.5; p < 0.001), alongside improvements in attitudes (mean difference = 1.2 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). mean practice scores declined from 12.0 ± 2.5 to 2.1 ± 0.5, reflecting a substantial reduction in high-risk behaviours (p < 0.001). knowledge and attitude were positively correlated pre-intervention (r = 0.23; p < 0.001), while post-intervention attitudes were negatively correlated with unsafe practices (r = −0.13; p = 0.013). higher educational attainment predicted greater knowledge, while longer residence duration was associated with poorer practices. several socio-demographic factors influenced post-intervention attitudes.
CONCLUSIONS:
the educational intervention significantly improved KAP related to schistosomiasis. sustained recall of key prevention messages after three months underscores the effectiveness of community-based health education in endemic settings.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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