Evaluating community’s knowledge on integrated malaria, Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections in a Lake Victoria island, Kenya: A mixed method approach

Abstract

: The burden of malaria, schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthes (STH) in the islands of Lake Victoria, Kenya, poses a considerable public health challenge. Although many studies have been conducted on the co-infection arising from these parasites, few have evaluated communities’ knowledge of the same. Increasing the level of knowledge about a disease or preventive chemotherapy is important, but efforts need to be focused on community perception and understanding of the problem so as to encourage engagement with the proposed control measures. This study aimed at understanding a community’s knowledge of malaria, schistosomiasis and STH in Lake Victoria island where an integrated preventive chemotherapy intervention was implemented