Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices on Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in Rural Quezon, Philippines

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis remains a public health concern in rural communities where sanitation, hygiene practices, and access to preventive health services are limited. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices on soil-transmitted helminthiasis among residents of selected rural barangays in Tagkawayan, Quezon, Philippines. Using a quantitative correlational research design, data were gathered from 90 purposively selected respondents through a structured survey questionnaire. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, difficulty index, Chi-square test, Cramer’s V, and Spearman’s rho were used to analyze the data. Findings showed that most respondents were female, had secondary education, were unemployed, and belonged to low-income households. Respondents were generally knowledgeable about soil-transmitted helminthiasis, with an overall knowledge score of 7.74, and demonstrated strongly favorable attitudes toward prevention, with an overall weighted mean of 3.74. Preventive practices were performed often overall, although participation in clinic consultation, deworming, and health education programs was low. Demographic variables were not significantly related to knowledge. However, sex and educational attainment were significantly related to attitudes, while sex and occupation were significantly related to preventive practices. The findings highlight the need for community-based, gender-responsive, and occupation-sensitive health education programs to correct misconceptions, strengthen preventive behaviors, and increase participation in organized soil-transmitted helminthiasis control activities.