Effects of Female Genital Schistosomiasis in Reproductive Tract of Women Attending Kwale Hospital in Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Female genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is a significant public health problem among women living in endemic areas. An estimated 45 million women in sub-Saharan Africa are infected. Chronic infection is associated with bleeding disturbances, abdominal-pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse, uterine fibroids, spontaneous abortion, cervical cancer and increased risk for transmission of HIV. Aim: To determine the infection rate, distribution pattern and associated genital pathology in S. haematobium infection among females of reproductive age in endemic area in Kwale County, Kenya. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional. Study Area: Kwale level four hospital. Study subjects came from the hospital catchment area. Methodology: Prevalence of S. haematobium was determined through urine filtration and Original Research Article