Black Flies and Onchocerciasis Transmission: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Inhabitants of Mahenge, South-Eastern Tanzania
Authors
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Dr. Kija Ng'habi
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Godfrey Katusi
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Prof. Nicholas Kavana
Abstract
The study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to black flies and onchocerciasis among 114 community members in Mahenge, south-eastern Tanzania, an area where onchocerciasis transmission persists despite prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin.
- 96.4% of participants had heard of onchocerciasis, demonstrating high community awareness. - However, only 35.7% correctly identified blackfly bites as the cause of onchocerciasis. - Knowledge of blackfly breeding sites was particularly limited, with only 10.6% correctly identifying fast-flowing rivers as breeding habitats. - 61.4% of participants had moderate knowledge, while 22.8% had good knowledge. - 75.4% reported consistent adherence to ivermectin treatment, with trust in community drug distributors identified as the only significant independent predictor of adherence. - Despite living in an endemic area, 74.8% reported using no personal protection against blackfly bites, highlighting an important gap between awareness and preventive practice.
Summary as published by the college when announcing this work. See the journal article for the full abstract.
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