Factors Affecting Uptake of Anti – Helminthic Drugs Among Children Aged 6 To 59 Months at St Joseph’s Nswanjere Health Centre III, Mpigi District. A cross-sectional study
Keywords:
Anti-helminthic drug uptake, intestinal helminths, children under five, Mpigi District, UgandaAbstract
Background: Intestinal helminth infections remain a major public health problem among children under five years in developing countries, contributing to poor nutrition, impaired growth, and reduced immunity. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting the uptake of anti-helminthic drugs among children attending St. Joseph’s Nswanjere Health Centre III.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 caretakers of children aged 6–59 months. Data were collected using structured questionnaires focusing on caretaker-related, health facility-related, and social factors influencing deworming practices. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures.
Results: The majority of caretakers were female (96.7%) and below 30 years (70%). Most had primary education (36.7%) and were mothers to the children (63.3%). Over half of the caretakers (53.3%) believed deworming should be done once a year, indicating poor knowledge of recommended schedules. Many caretakers (56.7%) felt it was unnecessary to deworm children without symptoms, while 50% were unsure about the safety of anti-helminthic drugs. Although drugs were largely available at the health facility (93.3%) and considered affordable (83.3%), long distance to the health centre (86.7%) and lack of health education (60%) limited uptake. Social barriers included reliance on herbal medicine (73.3%), myths about worms being part of childhood (60%), and weak community distribution programs (46.7%).
Conclusion: Uptake of anti-helminthic drugs among children was influenced by caretaker knowledge gaps, accessibility challenges, and negative social beliefs. While drug availability and affordability were favorable, poor awareness, long distances, and cultural practices hindered optimal utilization.
Recommendations: The Ministry of Health should strengthen community distribution programs and public sensitization on deworming schedules. Health facilities should conduct outreach services and health education to address myths and improve uptake.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Joseph Ssenkula, Jane Francis Namukwaya (Author)
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