Health Seeking Behaviour for Schistosomiasis-Related Symptoms in the Kassena-Nankana East District

Abstract

Schistosomiasis brings about long-term illness in humans which can become significant economic burden on the society. Morbidity control of schistosomiasis through integration of treatment within existing health care delivery system is seen as a potentially sustainable and cost-effective approach. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the health-seeking behaviour for signs and symptoms related to schistosomiasis among the inhabitants of Gani and Bonia, within Kassena-Nankana East District (KNED). A total of 218 household heads were interviewed in two communities within the district. Almost 50% of respondents used herbalists as the first line of action before going to hospital if the symptom persisted. This compares with 42% who used the health facility first and then resort to the traditional herbalist for schistosomiasis-related symptoms. Self-medication with allopathic medicine was less common. Patients aged 56 years and above were more likely to use hospital than younger ones and therefore could be associated with health seeking behaviour schistosomiasis-related symptoms. The accessibility, availability, cost, and efficacy of medicines and the time spent at the treatment source influenced health seeking behahaviour. Logistic regression analyses showed place of residence and educational background as the main predictors of health seeking behaviour. Sex, marital status and ethnicity did not demonstrate significant association. Schistosomiasis control by the periodic administration of the WHO recommended medication of 40mg/kg body of praziquantel weight to target groups such school children is worth continuing but the number visiting the traditional herbalist is large and requires additional control measures.