Evaluation of Impact of Bilharzia Storytelling on Community Awareness of schistosomiasis among primary school-aged children in Bugesera District, Rwanda, 2024

INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Rwanda. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of storytelling based educational intervention in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to schistosomiasis prevention among school-aged children in Bugesera District. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional interventional study conducted in Bugesera District, Rwanda. Baseline data were collected through surveys from 341 students, while the end line was collected from 303 students aged 7-15 years. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the frequencies of the demographic variables and the distribution of the knowledge, attitude, and practice variables of the participants. Pearson Chi-square tests were performed to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice at a 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Disease awareness increased from 14.7% to 98.3%, with parents emerging as the primary information source (96.0%). Understanding of transmission routes improved substantially, with recognition of water contact risks increasing from 3.8% to 92.1%. Risk perception increased (52.0% to 72.1%) while fear levels decreased (82.0% to 71.5%). Behavioral changes were significant: swimming in water bodies decreased from 35.8% to 7.3%, regular toilet use increased from 76.5% to 89.8%, and lake water usage for drinking dropped from 33.7% to 15.5%. CONCLUSION: The storytelling-based intervention demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in improving schistosomiasis-related KAP among school children in Rwanda, surpassing outcomes reported in comparable African studies.