Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour for schistosomiasis-related signs and symptoms in Ghana’s capital

Background: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease spread through contaminated water, remains a significant public health challenge in areas with poor sanitation, including the Ga South Municipal District in Ghana. Despite preventive efforts by the World Health Organization, understanding the healthcare-seeking behavior for schistosomiasis symptoms is crucial to improving treatment outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Galilea and Mahem communities of the Ga South District, near a lake known for schistosomiasis transmission. A structured questionnaire was administered to 242 randomly selected household heads to assess their healthcare-seeking behavior when faced with schistosomiasis symptoms. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 to identify trends and patterns in behavior. Results: Awareness of schistosomiasis was high among respondents, with 92.6% indicating familiarity with the disease. About 77.7% reported that they would seek treatment at hospitals or clinics if infected. The choice of healthcare facilities was largely influenced by the perceived efficacy of treatment. A significant association was found between the respondents' area of residence and their healthcare-seeking behavior (p=0.007), suggesting that location plays a crucial role in how individuals approach treatment. Conclusions: The high awareness of schistosomiasis in the Galilea and Mahem communities is likely due to ongoing educational efforts. While most residents preferred formal healthcare settings, there is still a need to address the risks associated with self-medication through further education. Enhancing accessibility to healthcare facilities and continued public health education could improve timely treatment and reduce the disease burden.