Evaluation of knowledges and experiences of female genital schistosomiasis among healthcare workers in gynecology services in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a serious clinical form of urinary schistosomiasis, is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa but little-known in Côte d'Ivoire. The objective of this study was to assess practitioners' knowledge and experience of FGS in Abidjan. Data were collected using a questionnaire from March to October 2024 in healthcare centers in Abidjan among 281 healthcare workers in gynecology and obstetrics services. Only 57% of respondents identified Schistosoma haematobium as the causative agent, and the mode of transcutaneous contamination was known by very few (0.46%). Infertility and the risk of HIV infection were recognized as consequences of the disease by 20.1% and 9.6% of respondents, respectively. The pelvic examination to confirm FGS was known by only 11% of practitioners. For treatment, 66.7% of practitioners were aware of praziquantel. However, mass drug administration with praziquantel as a prevention method was not well-known (4.55%). Regarding experience with FGS, only 5% of respondents had ever suspected or experienced cases in their facility, and in 50% of these cases, the specific treatment used was praziquantel. This study highlights that FGS is not well-known by practitioners, and health professionals' lack of information about the disease can lead to poor treatment. Implementing training and awareness-raising programs for healthcare personnel will help prevent consequences for women in areas at risk of urinary schistosomiasis.