Abstract

Aim/Background: This study assessed knowledge, practices, and health-seeking behaviour regarding schistosomiasis among residents of Ifedore Local Government Area.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using an adapted, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise variables, Blooms cut off was used to categorise knowledge, practice and health seeking behaviour. chi-square tests assessed associations between categorical variables p < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 43.53 ± 15.21. The study found that 310 (95.4%) of respondents had poor knowledge of schistosomiasis, 15 (4.6%) had moderate knowledge, and none demonstrated good knowledge. For preventive practices, 316 (97.2%) exhibited poor practices, 9 (2.8%) had fair practices, and none had good practices. Regarding health-seeking behaviour, 302 (92.9%) showed poor behaviour, 21 (6.5%) delayed seeking behaviour, and only 2 (0.6%) demonstrated appropriate health-seeking behaviour. No significant association between knowledge and practices (p = 0.503) or health-seeking behaviour (p = 0.952). Similarly, socio-demographic variables were not significantly associated with health-seeking behaviour (p > 0.05). .
Conclusions: Schistosomiasis-related outcomes in the study area are driven less by knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics and more by structural and contextual constraints that limit behavioural change and healthcare utilisation. This underscores the need for integrated control strategies that go beyond awareness creation to include improved water and sanitation infrastructure, strengthened primary healthcare access, and community-based intervention approaches

Key words: Schistosomiasis, knowledge, practices, health-seeking behaviour, Nigeria, Ifedore