02613nas a2200217   4500000000100000008004100001653002600042653000800068653002000076653003700096100001500133700001800148700001400166700001300180245014900193856007400342300000700416490000600423520195200429022001402381       2019                            d10aCommunity perceptions10aMDA10aschistosomiasis10aSoil-transmitted helminths (STH)1 aLorenzo PJ1 aManzanilla DR1 aCortel DK1 aTangog E00aCommunity perceptions of mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in selected schools in the Philippines.  uhttps://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186%2Fs40249-019-0595-8.pdf  a870 v83 a<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis are parasitic infections prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries, such as the Philippines. The prevalence of these infections remain high in certain Philippine provinces, despite established mass drug administration (MDA) programs in endemic communities. This study aimed to understand community knowledge and perceptions of these infections to determine their implications on the current control and elimination strategies, including possible barriers to MDA compliance.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>The study was conducted in Northern Samar and Sorsogon, two provinces with the highest STH and schistosomiasis prevalence in the country. Focus group discussions with separate parent and children groups were utilized to gather knowledge and perceptions on STH and schistosomiasis causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention; and on the deworming drugs and overall program implementation. Data collection in Northern Samar were done in August 2017, while the sessions in Sorsogon took place in May 2018. A cultural construction of disease framework will show how several factors affect MDA participation.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Results showed that participants held mostly correct biomedical notions of the infections and expressed willingness to participate in MDA program. However, reservations remained due to a reported lack of information dissemination, lack of confidence in the drugs used, and widespread fear of adverse side effects.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>Addressing these concerns - improving the conduct of the deworming program, incorporating suggestions from the community, and managing potential adverse events - may help raise MDA participation and encourage better personal preventive practices, reducing STH and schistosomiasis prevalence.</p>

<p><strong>TRIAL REGISTRATION: </strong>N/A.</p>
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