Human fascioliasis in a rural area, Alexndria. Part II: review of the primary health care services provided for its prevention and control

The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of services provided for prevention and control of human fascioliasis as Abis 7 and 8 primary health care [PHC] facilities. It was revealed that the laboratory technician's workload at Abis 8 rural health center was about double that of Abis 7 health unit. Both PHC facilities used praziquantel for treatment of clinical cases, but with different doses; an ununified referring system was recognized; no health education sessions were organized at both health facilities; no snail control activities were performed at Abis 8 center and no community participation was found in this aspect in both villages; as well as absence of coordination between the health facilities and veterinary unit. The laboratory records showed an increase in disease trend from 1991 to 1994, and a prevalence rate of only 0.5% at 1994. About 60% of the PHC staff achieved a good knowledge score about fascioliasis and none a poor score. Their knowledge was satisfactory concerning the host, mode of transmission, the clinical manifestations and investigations needed for diagnosis of fascioliasis. As regards methods of disease prevention, about 89% of PHC personnel reported proper washing of leafy vegetables, while only 3.7% mentioned avoidance of using animal excreta as manure and none of them remembered to mention snail control