Prevalence and risk factors of urogenital schistosomiasis among under-fives in Mtama District in the Lindi region of Tanzania (original) (raw)

Prevalence of Urogenital Schistosomiasis and Risk factors for transmission among Primary School Children in an endemic urban area of Kinondoni municipality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

2021

Background: Schistosomiasis is among the neglected tropical diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality among the vulnerable population including schoolaged children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and risk factors for transmission among primary school children in an endemic urban area of Kinondoni municipality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2020. A total of 250 urine samples were collected from primary school children, examined for haematuria using urinalysis test strips, and Schistosoma haematobium (S.haematobium) infection and intensity using the urine filtration technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on water, sanitation, and hygiene risk factors that could influence the transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis. Results: Out of 250 primary school children recruited, 13(5.2%) had haematuria, 3(1.2%) had S.haematobium ova, and all were light-intensity infections. Among the assessed risk factors, the following were significantly associated with the transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis; type of latrine used at home (p=0.044), frequency of swimming (p=0.030), the children who never swallowed praziquantel (p<0.00), experienced side effects (p<0.00), type of side effects experienced (p=0.037), and reasons for not taking praziquantel in the last round of mass drug administration (p=0.007). Conclusion: The low prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis indicates the ongoing transmission of the disease among primary school children. Frequency of swimming, type of latrines used at home, and non-uptake of praziquantel are the risk factors for the infection among primary school children.

Urogenital schistosomiasis and risk factors of infection in mothers and preschool children in an endemic district in Zimbabwe

Parasites & Vectors, 2019

Background: To design appropriate schistosomiasis control programmes that include women and preschool-aged children (PSAC) it is essential to assess their disease profile and the risk factors predisposing them to infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and the risk factors of infection among PSAC and their caregivers in an endemic area of Zimbabwe. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving screening for urogenital schistosomiasis infections and treatment of 860 participants [535 children aged ≤ 5 years and 325 caregivers (≥ 15 years)] was carried out in five communities, namely Chihuri, Mupfure, Chakondora, Nduna and Kaziro, in February 2016. Haematuria was recorded for each participant and urine filtration was performed to determine the presence and infection intensity of Schistosoma haematobium. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the caregivers seeking knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding schistosomiasis. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Overall 132 (15.4%) of the 860 participants had S. haematobium infections. Among these, 61 (18.7%) of the 325 caregivers and 71 (13.3%) of the 535 children were infected. The infection prevalence was significantly different between caregivers and PSAC (χ 2 = 4.7040, df = 1, P = 0.030). Children whose caregivers used river water for bathing were more likely to be infected compared to children whose caregivers used protected well water (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.7). The risks of being infected with schistosomiasis were higher in children whose caregivers were infected compared to children whose caregivers had no infection (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.7-8.6). In caregivers, those who bathed in river water were at higher risk of schistosomiasis infection compared to those who used water from a protected well (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.4-6.4). Conclusions: According to the World Health Organization guidelines, the observed overall prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis qualifies this area as a moderate risk area requiring mass chemotherapy once every two years. Water contact practices of caregivers, and their perceptions and knowledge regarding schistosomiasis are risk factors for infection in both themselves and PSAC. Thus, disease control efforts targeting caregivers or PSAC should include health education and provision of alternative clean and safe water sources.

Urinary schistosomiasis among preschool-age children in an endemic area of Kinondoni municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2016

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

To examine the magnitude of Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infection and the factors associated with exposure of preschool children in Kigogo Ward, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey of Class I pupils (preschool-age in 2015) was carried out from May to June 2016 to examine the prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium infection and associated factors. Urine samples were examined for haematuria, S. haematobium eggs and intensity. Parents or guardians were interviewed on their awareness and level of knowledge on urinary schistosomiasis disease (symptoms, mode of transmission, treatment and prevention), as well as their perceived risk of infection to young children. Potential sites of transmission were identified and searched for Bulinus spp., snails and the activities that exposed young children to infection were recorded. Results: A total of 424 pupils and 408 female parents or guardians were recruited. Haematuria was detected in 51 (12.0%) pupils, S. haematobium eggs were observed in 8 (1.9%) pupils and all were light infection. Bulinus spp., snails were identified mostly at cross-points of rivers. The large majority (91.7%) of parents or guardians were aware of urinary schistosomiasis disease, but three quarter (76%) did not consider it as a health problem. More than two thirds (71.3%) reported that anybody could get urinary schistosomiasis; two thirds (65.9%) reported that infection was likely to be acquired at cross-points of rivers. The large majority (> 90%) had the notion that young children could be exposed; and all the activities that might lead a child to come into contact with potentially infested waters were judged to be risk factors. The larger majority (83.6%) had a high level of knowledge on urinary schistosomiasis (transmission, symptoms, availability of modern treatment and the preventive measures), reflecting the ongoing advocacy campaigns. Conclusions: Young children left out in praziquantel preventive chemotherapy harbor S. haematobium infection and are likely to be the source of environmental contamination frustrating the national efforts for control. Presence of Bulinus spp. snails shows the potential for the continuity of S. haematobium transmission.

Urogenital Schistosomiasis among Primary School Children in Rural Communities in Obudu, Southern Nigeria

International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 2021

Background: Schistosomiasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) that constitutes a public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Nigeria. There is need for updated information on the extent of the disease burden at community level to facilitate effective prioritization and monitoring of the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school-aged children in Obudu Local Government Area (LGA), one of the 18 LGAs in Cross River State, Southern Nigeria. Seven schools from seven communities were randomly selected for this study. A total of 1,113 urine samples obtained from school-aged children were screened for Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) eggs using standard parasitological method of diagnosis. Proteinuria and hematuria were evaluated using reagent test strips. Results: In this study, 153 (13.7%) children were infected with S. haematobium. More males (86 or 14.7%) were infected than females (67 or 12.7%); the differences were not statistica...

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis among School-Aged Children in Devego Sub-Municipal, Ketu North Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana

International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health

Background: Schistosomiasis affects an estimated 250 million people worldwide, with 200,000 people dying each year. Despite success in managing the disease, data on its prevalence in non-endemic areas is rare. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of urogenital schistosomiasis among people in the Devego sub-municipality of the Ketu North Municipal Volta region, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 335 respondents. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Urine samples were examined microscopically to identify S. haematobium ova. Categorical data was analyzed and presented as percentages or frequencies. Means, medians and standard deviations were used to summarize the continuous variables. Chi-square/Fishers Exact test was used to determine the associations between the independent and dependent variables and considered significant if P-value was less than 0.05. Results: The study found 34.6% (116/335) prevalence rate of uri...

Prevalence and morbidity of urogenital schistosomiasis among pre-school age children in Cubal, Angola

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

Background Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases, with a great impact on public health and more than 200,000 deaths annually. Schistosoma haematobium causes urinary tract (UT) morbidity. Since schistosomiasis morbidity control programs focus on children older than 5 years, pre-school age children (PSAC) morbidity is not well known. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Cubal (Angola) among 245 PSAC with the objective of evaluating the prevalence of S. haematobium infection, the intensity of infection, and associated morbidity. For this purpose, urine filtration test followed by microscopic visualization and ultrasound examinations were performed. Results The estimated overall prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 30.2% (CI 95%; 24.5–35.9), with 20.3% (CI 95%; 15.3–25.3) of the samples analysed showing a high intensity of infection. A total of 54.5% (CI 95%; 47.6–61.8) of infected children presented UT lesions, showing a significant...

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Basic School Children in the Akyemansa District, Ghana

Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 2019

Background: Globally, urinary schistosomiasis has devastating implications on school children. It predisposes them to dysuria, haematuria among others which can negatively influence their academic performance. This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among basic school children in the Akyemansa district. Original Research Article Abaka-Yawson et al.; AJMAH, 15(4): 1-10, 2019; Article no.AJMAH.50236 2 Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design using multi-stage sampling was used to enroll 504 basic school children from six communities of the Akyemansa District into study. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on risk factors. Urine samples were collected and microscopically examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium (SH) ova. The observed ova were then quantified as light or heavy. Results: Prevalence of SH infection among school children in Akyemansa District was 10.32% [95% CI: 7.80-13.31%]. Out of 52 participants who were infected, 69.2% had light infection whilst the rest had heavy infection. Female participants were less likely to be infected with SH than males [OR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.23-0.97], children who do not stay by the river/stream were also less likely to be infected with SH compared to those who lived near waterbodies [OR=0.35; 95% CI: 0.17-0.72]. Additionally, participants who did not play around water bodies were also less likely to be infected with SH compared to those who did [OR=0.17; 95% CI= 0.04-0.71; p=0.015]. However, inhabitants of Kotokuom were more likely to be infected compared to those in Pawuda [OR=8.54; 95% CI: 1.91-38.27; p=0.005] Conclusion: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among basic school children in the Akyemansa district was found to be 10.32% [95% CI: 7.80-13.31%]. Gender, staying around river/ stream, playing at river/ stream and habitation of participants were significantly associated with the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection. The study therefore recommends that periodic drug administration and a comprehensive intervention strategy should be designed and implemented to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence.

Urogenital schistosomiasis burden in school-aged children in Tiko, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study on prevalence, intensity, knowledge and risk factors

Tropical Medicine and Health

Background This study aimed at determining urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) prevalence, intensity, knowledge and risk factors in school-aged children (SAC) in the new endemic focus of Tiko, Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study including 389 SAC of both sexes aged 5–15 years was carried out between April and June 2018. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, clinical and predisposing factors. Urine sample collected was used to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs by filtration technique and microhaematuria by Heme dipstick COMBI 11. Logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors of UGS. Results The overall prevalence of UGS was 37.0% (CI 32.4–41.9) and 32.6% (CI 28.2–37.5) were positive by egg excretion while 24.4% (CI 20.4–28.9) by haematuria. S. haematobium egg excretion and haematuria were significantly higher in males (P = 0.016; P = 0.049) and children 12–15 years old (P = 0.009; P = 0.002), respectively. The mean number of eggs per 10 ...

Urogenital Schistosomiasis among Schoolchildren and the Associated Risk Factors in Selected Rural Communities of Kwara State, Nigeria

Journal of Tropical Medicine

Urogenital schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease that causes severe morbidity among schoolchildren in many poor-resource communities in Nigeria. We investigated the prevalence, intensity, and risk factors of the infection in three communities of Kwara State to ascertain the current status of the disease. Of the 724 urine samples screened, using filtration method, 332 (45.6%) school-aged children were infected with average intensity and mean population eggs load of 127.9 eggs/10 ml of urine and 0.794, respectively. Prevalence and intensity of infection varied with communities: high in Ajase-Ipo (57.1%; X = 100.7 ± 23.01 eggs/10 ml) and low in Shonga (37.5%; X = 91.4 ± 78.0). Infection was significantly (P<0.05) higher in males (50.8%) than the females (42.4%). Similarly, infection significantly (P<0.05) increased with increasing age. Multivariate logistic analysis of risk factors revealed that lack of portable drinking water (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 4.76; 95% CI = 2...

The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children in Benue State, Nigeria

Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology, 1989

Background: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school pupils in Wamakko Local Government, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Four hundred terminal urine samples were collected from primary school pupils and analysed using standard filtration technique. Results: Out of the 400 urine samples examined, 192 (48%) were found to be infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Males had a higher prevalence (49.49%) than females (43.93%), although statistical analysis indicated no significant association of S. haematobium infection with gender. The highest infection rate was recorded among pupils aged 4-6 years (62.82%) while the least was found among pupils aged 7-9 years; this did not attend significant level (p > 0.05). The occurrence of S. haematobium infection did not significantly associate with a source of drinking water and water contact activity (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates the presence of urinary schistosomiasis in the study area and that all pupils in the study area are equally exposed to the source of infection. Therefore, prompt intervention is highly advocated.