Determinants of Uptake of Mass Drug Administration for Schistosomiasis Control in Butiaba Sub-county, Uganda

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) targeted for elimination in Uganda by 2025 through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) using praziquantel. To achieve this, WHO estimates indicate that MDA coverage and uptake 75% required. However, remains suboptimal with insufficient knowledge inadequate drug supply often cited as key reasons. There a need to add body various settings enable more robust mitigation measures. This study aimed assess praziquantel associated factors Butiaba sub-county along shores Lake Albert Uganda.
 Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted five randomly selected villages within between July September 2021 quantitative qualitative approaches. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered 450 adults, additional two Focus Group Discussions Key Informant interviews held implementation structures from village district level.
 Results: Self-reported twelve months most recent exercise 71.56% (95% CI: 67.14 – 75.68). Of all participants, 5.78% reported have never swallowed their lifetime, (96/128) participants who didn’t swallow last having at least ten years. Respondents less likely if they had no about schistosomiasis signs (AOR= 0.18, 95% 0.08–0.39) ages 30-39years 2.31, 1.35–3.95) or 40 years above 2.86, 1.45 4.95). Operational challenges such financial constraints also influence during sub-county.
 Conclusion: The high but still below target 75%. People limited symptoms those aged 18 29 take Praziquantel. Irregular challenge.
 Recommendation: Rigorous health education ensuring continuous Praziquantel are improving uptake.