Background Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of communities where mass drug administration based integrated malaria elimination and control of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (STH) is targeted will be critical in adhering to intervention strategies. KAP surveys have the potential to reveal lessons that will inform implementation in similar settings. This study sought to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of Ngodhe islanders in Lake Victoria Kenya during mass drug administration (MDA) with artemisinin-piperaquine and low dose primaquine for malaria; albendazole for STH and praziquantel for schistosomiasis.

Methods The KAP study used a pre-tested interviewer questionnaire that was administered to 239 randomly selected adults. Additionally, 4 focus group discussions (each consisting of between 8–12 participants) was done with the elders, women, youth, and mixed group. Another 6 key informant interviews were also done.

Results All respondents (239) had heard about malaria and they acknowledged that it is preventable; 89.1% of respondents had heard about schistosomiasis; and another 87.4% had heard about STH. A high percentage of 96.2 had heard about the mass drug administration while 87% were aware of the integrated malaria, schistosomiasis, and STH strategy. 78.2% of participants favoured stopping MDA in case side effects were perceived to be common. Sanitation was a major challenge with only 41.3% of the respondents using latrines with the rest using bushes.

Conclusions This study revealed huge awareness of the integrated strategy for malaria elimination and schistosomiasis and STH control using mass drug administration. Nonetheless, concerns on MDA drugs side effects and poor sanitation practices will require greater engagement with the community.