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. 2023 Aug 24;8(9):425.
doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090425.

High Level of Knowledge about Tungiasis but Little Translation into Control Practices in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda

Marlene Thielecke  1 , Hannah McNeilly  2 , Francis Mutebi  3   4 , Mike B Banalyaki  3 , Rebecca Arono  3 , Susanne Wiese  5 , Felix Reichert  6 , George Mukone  3 , Hermann Feldmeier  5
Affiliations

High Level of Knowledge about Tungiasis but Little Translation into Control Practices in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda

Marlene Thielecke et al. Trop Med Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can cause significant suffering and disability. Health promotion is an important pillar in NTD control programs, assuming that better knowledge contributes to reduced risk behavior and reduced risk of infection. The study objective was to assess tungiasis-related knowledge and its translation into control practices in a rural and highly endemic setting in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. We applied a mixed-methods design on household and community level. A semi-quantitative questionnaire on knowledge, practices, and attitudes (KAP) regarding tungiasis was administered to 1329 individuals with the main caring responsibilities in the household. Additionally, eight community dialogue meetings were held and analyzed. Overall, knowledge of tungiasis in humans was high but knowledge of tungiasis in animals was low. Most questionnaire respondents knew the causative agent and clinical presentations of tungiasis in humans, risk factors, and preventive measures. This tungiasis-related knowledge was translated into simple prevention measures. However, adequate tungiasis control was impeded due to a lack of resources, such as access to water and effective medical treatment. In conclusion, health promotion campaigns should be integrated with support towards adequate tungiasis control measures, such as provision of safe treatment, hardening of non-solid floors in the houses, and improved access to water.

Keywords: Uganda; attitude practices; health promotion; knowledge; neglected tropical disease; tungiasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 3
Figure 3
Number of correct answers in enumeration questions that ask for a minimum number of answers. a The number of correct answers ranged between 0 and 4, because multiple answers could be given and the respondent was asked to name four options if possible. b The number of correct answers ranged between 0 and 2, because multiple answers could be given and the respondent was asked to name two options if possible. Note: knowledge about the treatment of tungiasis in humans or respectively in animals is not depicted in this table, because it is difficult to determine what a correct answer is in this context (see Table 7 and Table 8).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Instruments used for mechanical extraction of embedded sand fleas are, for example, thorns (A), safety pins (B), and razor blades (C).
Figure 1
Figure 1
The left pair of sandals is made locally from tires, the right pair is made of plastic and originates from China.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A community dialogue meeting is held in the presence of different stakeholders.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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