Knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare professionals towards female genital schistosomiasis in Mabalako, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Background
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to severe gynaecological and reproductive health issues. This study aimed to assess healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards FGS in the Mabalako Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare professionals in Mabalako in June 2023. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and KAP regarding FGS. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the association between sociodemographic factors and KAP was assessed using Pearson’s chi- square test and Cramer’s V coefficients.
Results
The study included 75 healthcare professionals, predominantly nurses (78.7%). Knowledge about FGS was generally poor, with 80% of participants demonstrating inadequate understanding. Attitude and practice varied, with education level being the only sociodemographic factor significantly associated with positive attitude ( φ = 0.349, p = 0.028) and good practice ( φ = 0.338, p = 0.035). Association between knowledge and attitude and between attitude and practice were weak and not statistically significant.
Conclusions
The study emphasizes the urgent need for focused educational interventions to enhance the understanding and handling of FGS among healthcare professionals in areas where the disease is prevalent. Improving the training of healthcare professionals could result in better preventive measures and treatment strategies, ultimately reducing the impact of FGS.
Author Summary
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) represents a critical public health challenge in sub- Saharan Africa, particularly in less recognized endemic regions such as the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recent investigations have shed light on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals regarding this neglected tropical disease.
The study’s findings indicate that 80% of participants demonstrated insufficient knowledge about FGS, revealing a significant informational deficit. Although attitudes and practices varied among the respondents, educational attainment emerged as the sole sociodemographic factor significantly correlated with positive attitudes ( φ = 0.349, p = 0.028) and effective practices ( φ = 0.338, p = 0.035). Conversely, the relationships among knowledge and attitude, as well as between attitude and practice, were determined to be weak and statistically insignificant.
These results emphasize the pressing necessity for targeted educational initiatives designed to enhance the understanding and management of FGS among healthcare professionals in endemic regions. By improving training and resources for these practitioners, it is feasible to implement more effective preventive measures and treatment strategies, thereby mitigating the impact of FGS within affected communities.
