[Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the populations of the city of Lomé relating to prevention of schistosomiasis: a case study conducted in the Canton of Légbassito].

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the populations relating to schistosomal infestation.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study of knowledges, attitudes and practices of the population of the township of Légbassito relating to schistosomiasis. The sampling calculated on the basis of the population of the township by the software DosBox 0.74 of Epi Info 3.5.4 allowed to investigate 380 subjects.

RESULTS

The study highlighted that out of 380 people investigated, 57,30% were not aware of the symptoms of the disease, 40,10% did not know the mode of transmission of the disease, 26.40% knew that avoiding any contact with contaminated surface water could prevent the disease, 18,20% came into contact with fresh waters of the area in which 46,40% of them went to bathe. Regarding sewage disposal, 90,80% used latrines, 1.30% urinated sometimes in the streams, 85,80% used wells water for domestic needs, 48.40% didn't think they could live with an individual whose urine or stool contains blood, 24.5% were not often involved in mass treatment.

CONCLUSION

The township of Légbassito is an endemic area for schistosomiasis infestation. Population attitudes and practices are unfavorable to the elimination of the disease, such as bathing during the hot hours, urinating in fresh waters and coming into contact with other water courses. These practices could lead to new cases of infestation.