The impact of Health Education on the Prevalence of Faecalorally Transmitted Parasitic Infections among School Children in a Rural Community in Cameroon

ABSTRACT

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the most prevalent infections in humans in developing countries and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Most of them are transmitted by the faecal-oral route. In general; situations involving unhygienic conditions promote transmission [1]. These infections are globally endemic and have been described as constituting the greatest single worldwide cause of illness and disease [2]. They are associated with poor hygiene and lack of access to safe water [3]. Food handlers play an important role in their transmission [4]. Ignorance is also a contributing factor to transmission especially among people living in rural areas where level of awareness is relatively low [5]. Like the majority of the parasitic diseases; these infections are influenced by human behaviour especially their hygienic practices; and failure to take advantage of available screening services or comply with treatment [6]. In Cameroon; IPIs are recognized by the Ministry of Public Health to be an important public healthproblem ranking second to malaria [7]. There has been periodic de-worming in most endemic areas in the country; but studies suggest that there is a high rate of re-infection [8]. A change in hygienic behaviour is advocated to reduce these infections. Health education; especially in rural communities where the level of awareness is quite low and sanitary conditions poor [9] could contribute to the reduction of the prevalence of infection This issue is addressed in this study. Methods: Ten villages in the South-West Region of Cameroon were grouped in pairs. The grouping was based on the fact that each pair was made of 2 rural communities sharing the same social; geographical and climatic features. The pair comprising Kake II and Barombi-Kang was randomly selected among five. An intervention study was conducted from January 2010 to July 2010 in two primary schools in the 2 selected villages (Kake II and Barombi-kang). They are separated by a distance of about 30 Km. Theformer village served as the experimental school; whilst the latter served as the control (random selection). The two villages are typical African rural communities. There is no pipe-borne water; electricity; or drainage system. Each of the villages has a government primary school; but no secondary school. The inhabitants are farmers practicing peasant farming and petty trading. Prior to the start of this study; permission was sought from the school authorities and parents were informed about the purpose; objectives and benefits of the study; as their involvement was a key factorfor its success. They were made to understand that it was not a school obligation to take part in the study; neither was it a prerequisite for accessing publicly available health facilities. Written informed parental consent forms were distributed one week prior to the beginning of sample collection. An ethical clearance was obtained from the Regional Delegation of Health of the South West Region in Buea (Ref.R11/MPH/SWP/RDPH/FP-R/5341/94)