Mamo, Hassen (PhD)Retta, Seid2018-07-102023-11-082018-07-102023-11-082016-09http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7542Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni is a major public health concern in the tropics and yet is a neglected disease. In Ethiopia, the condition is worsened due to very low latrine coverage and overall poor personal and environmental hygiene. The objective of this study was, therefore, to detect S. mansoni infection and investigate related risk factors in Haik, northeast Ethiopia. In this health-facility-based cross-sectional study, patients visiting Haik Health Center (HHC) between December 2015 and April 2016 and who were clinically suspected of intestinal schistosomiasis were successively enrolled. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to capture socio-demographic and environmental variables in relation to the risk of exposure to S. mansoni. Fecal samples were collected and processed using the direct-smear method. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for data analysis. S. mansoni was recovered from 44(8.80%) out of 500 diagnosed patients with the highest proportion (19.23%) of infected cases belonging to the age group 10-15 years followed by 7.30% for >15 and 5.78% among 5-9 years old. Age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.670, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.013-7.039, p=0.001), possession and use of toilet (AOR 0.055, 95% CI 0.01-0.29, p=0.001), swimming habit (AOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.114-0.859, p=0.024) and residence (AOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.018-0.480, p=0.001) were independently significantly associated with S. mansoni-positivity. S. mansoni infection is an important health problem among patients examined at HHC. Therefore, prompt intervention strategies should be designed and implemented including provision of adequate safe water supply, regular deworming and health education on personal as well as environmental hygiene. Key words: Schistosomiasis, Haik TownenSchistosomiasisHaik TownThesis