The Impact of Mass Chemotherapy on the Status of Intestinal Schistosomiais Among Schoolchildren in Kemissie, North East Ethiopia
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Date
2017-08-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is a major public health concern in the tropics and yet is a neglected disease. Globally, more than 207 million people are infected Today 120 million people are symptomatic for Schistosomiasis In Ethiopia, the condition is worsened due to very low latrine coverage and overall poor personal and environmental hygiene.This study, therefore, aimed to assess the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and associated risk factors in children of less than 15 year of age in Kemissie Town. A cross sectional school based study was carried out on sample of 300 students. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio demographic characteristics, water contact habit and toilet utilization. Fecal samples were collected and processed using the direct-smear method. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for data analysis. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni in the schoolchildren was 8 % (95% confidence interval (CI):1.96). Higher prevalence was detected in male children (8.5%) than in females (7.5%) . Sex, swimming habit & previous treatment for the parasite were significantly associated with the risk of Schistosomiasis (p-value ˂0.05). Specifically, Male sex is 3 times at increased risk of having Schistosomiasis than females (AOR: 3.255, 95% CI: 0.555-0.987, p: 000). Study subjects with frequently swimming habit were found to be 4 times at risk of Schistosomiasis than those have no swimming habit regularly or not at all (AOR: 4.487 95% CI: 0.278-0.854, p: 0.022). Study participants who have previous treatment history for Schistosomiasis were have 2 times at risk of developing Schistosomiasis than their counter parts(AOR: 2.760, 95% CI: 1.014-5.731, p: 0.031). The result showed that school age children are the vulnerable segment of the population. Therefore, prompt intervention strategies should be designed and implemented including provision of adequate safe water supply and health education on personal as well as environmental hygiene.
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Schistosomiasis, Prevalence, Kemisse Town