Nkrumah-Mills, G.Ashitey, G.A.Osei, L.Antobre-Boateng, A.University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health2015-08-202017-10-142015-08-202017-10-141999-08http://197.255.68.203/handle/123456789/6852Thesis(MPH)- University of GhanaThis study was intended to find the social and environmental factors that affect the prevalence o f schistosomiasis in two rural communities in the Asuogyaman District. The study was conducted in response to a felt need by the District Health Administration. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to interview young people aged 10-20 years on their knowledge, attitude and practice concerning schistosomiasis, a focus group discussion among a selected group o f adults and a non-participant observation. The study revealed the lack o f water and sanitation facilities in Dzidzokope as compared to South Senchi where such facilities exist, to have contributed to the relatively higher prevalence in Dzidzokope. Also, the study showed that the community with a higher prevalence (Dzidzokope) is located just near the source o f infection while that with a lower prevalence is further away from the river source. Analysis showed that knowledge was high among respondents, with 80% in Dzidzokope and 86% in South Senchi associating schistosomiasis with the Lake but such knowledge is not consistent with their practices especially in the Dzidzokope community where the prevalence is higher. In this study, members o f both communities poorly rated education on schistosomiasis as a preventive and control measure, even though they receive health education on schistosomiasis from the school and the Volta River Authority. Based on the findings o f the study, the following key recommendations have been made to the relevant authorities: • New settlements should be located fairly distant from the shores o f the Lake and provided with water and sanitation facilities to reduce frequency o f entry of the people into the water. • Health education should stress on the mode o f transmission of schistosomiasis. • Treatment should be given to all members o f the community at the same time.xvi, 60p.enThesisUniversity of Ghana