A community-based participatory research and community health workers-led health education strategy for schistosomiasis control among schoolchildren in Pemba Island, Zanzibar: a cluster-randomized trial.
Infect Dis PovertySep 30, 2026 (epub)
Xiaojing Li, Yi Wang, Mingzhen He et al.
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In 30 seconds
This cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluated a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach led by community health workers for schistosomiasis control among schoolchildren in Pemba, Zanzibar. The CBPR-CHW group showed a significant reduction in Schistosoma haematobium infection prevalence from 19.18% to 0.82% at 12 months (P < 0.001), outperforming conventional health education.
Key findings
- CBPR-CHW group reduced infection prevalence from 19.18% to 0.82% at 12 months, compared to 11.86% to 1.02% in the control group (P < 0.001).
- Knowledge scores in the CBPR-CHW group improved significantly to 7.11 ± 1.35, compared to 6.56 ± 1.70 in the control group (P < 0.05).
- Household latrine usage increased by 56.3% in the CBPR-CHW group.
- High student satisfaction was reported with a total score of 5.28 ± 1.28 out of 6.
Why it matters
The study highlights the effectiveness of community-led health education strategies in controlling schistosomiasis, addressing both infection rates and knowledge gaps. This approach may enhance public health interventions in similar high-transmission areas.