The impact of health education on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a rural community with regards to schistosomiasis control using a plant molluscicide, Phytolacca dodecandra

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of health education on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) with regards to use of a plant molluscicide in snail control. DESIGN: Repeat cross sectional survey. SETTING: Chiweshe communal lands. SUBJECTS: Males and females--age range 13 to 87 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in: KAP after health education, water usage pattern, water contact behaviour, willingness to participate in use of P. dodecandra. RESULTS: A high proportion of the community indicated prior knowledge of schistosomiasis during both knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) surveys. In the follow up KAP survey changes in the community's water contact behaviour as well as their practices in relation to sanitation were reported. The involvement of the community in the application of P. dodecandra during the course of the study ensured continued support and participation of the community. This was evidenced in the follow up survey when it was apparent that the community's attitude towards schistosomiasis had been influenced by the different activities that had taken place. CONCLUSION: Changes in the community's KAP with regards to schistosomiasis control, can be interpreted as an indication of the impact of the health education delivered during the course of the study. Health education should, therefore, precede programmes that require full participation of the community, as this enables the community to make informed decisions regarding their participation.