Factors affecting the uptake of preventive chemotherapy treatment for schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009017
- PMID
- 33465076
- PMCID
- PMC7846123
- OpenAlex
- W3121767785
- Study type
- Systematic review
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
Schistosomiasis affects nearly 220 million people worldwide, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. Current guidelines recommend 75% treatment coverage among school-aged children, yet many programs fall short. High sustained coverage is essential given the risk of reinfection.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
The review examined barriers and facilitators at multiple levels—individual, programmatic, and policy—that influence uptake of preventive chemotherapy (Praziquantel) for schistosomiasis control in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Study design
Systematic review of literature published between January 2002 and 2019. A total of 2,258 unique abstracts were screened, 65 underwent full-text review, and 30 met eligibility criteria. Quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools and findings were synthesized using a meta-synthesis approach.
Population and setting
Studies conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on mass drug administration campaigns targeting schistosomiasis. The evidence base showed publication bias toward East African rural settings.
Main findings
Uptake of Praziquantel was influenced by factors at individual level (material wellbeing, knowledge and attitudes, fears of side effects, gender values), community level (community and health system support), and programmatic level (training, sensitisation, incentives for distributors, and drug properties). These determinants interact with each other and affect outcomes both directly and indirectly.
Public-health relevance
Schistosomiasis affects nearly 220 million people worldwide, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. Current guidelines recommend 75% treatment coverage among school-aged children, yet many programs fall short. High sustained coverage is essential given the risk of reinfection.
Important limitations
The review identified publication bias, with the literature concentrated on East African rural settings and evidence primarily at individual and programmatic levels. This summary is limited to the supplied single-article abstract and metadata; the original paper is required for decision-grade interpretation.
GIDS interpretation
The article was indexed under Schistosomiasis disease classification. It provides context on structural and behavioral factors affecting treatment uptake in endemic areas, which may inform understanding of coverage gaps in routine surveillance. It does not report primary surveillance data or outbreak signals.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 8 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.