Knowledge, Attitudes and Preventive Practices Towards Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases Among Teachers in Schools Implementing the Home-Grown School Feeding Program in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) pose a significant health burden in low- and middle-income countries, particularly affecting school-aged children. Teachers play a crucial role in STH control efforts, but their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding STH prevention remain understudied. This research aimed to assess the KAP of primary school teachers involved in the Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 108 primary school teachers from nine randomly selected schools in Enugu Metropolis was conducted from September 2023 to January 2024. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sociodemographic characteristics and KAP scores. Chi-square tests were employed to examine associations between teachers' characteristics and their KAP levels. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of good knowledge, attitudes, and practices, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. All analyses were conducted via SPSS version 22. Results The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 24.9/30, 26.9/30, and 29.5/39, respectively. The study revealed high levels of knowledge (69.4% good) and positive attitudes (77.8% good) towards STH among teachers, contrasting with lower levels of good preventive practices (27.8%). Age was significantly associated with both knowledge and practices, with younger teachers (25–34 years) demonstrating better knowledge (94.1% vs 56.4%, p = 0.018) and practices (52.9% vs 30.8%, p = 0.015) than older colleagues (≥ 45 years). Years of teaching experience significantly influenced attitudes, with teachers having 11–20 years of experience showing the most favourable attitudes (95.8% good, p = 0.030). Good knowledge was a significant predictor of both positive attitudes (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.01–6.94) and good practices (OR: 7.72, 95% CI: 5.66–35.9). Conclusions This study highlights a critical gap between teachers' knowledge and attitudes and their preventive practices regarding STH. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly for older and more experienced teachers, to bridge this gap and improve STH prevention in schools. Comprehensive educational programs and practical skills development are recommended to increase STH control efforts in the region.