Schistosoma mansoniInfection and Associated Determinant Factors among School Children in Sanja Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. Intestinal schistosomiasis is one of the most widespread parasitic infections in tropical and subtropical countries. Objective. To determine the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and associated determinant factors among school children in Sanja Town, northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March, 2013. 385 school children were selected using stratified proportionate systematic sampling technique. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and associated determinant factors. Stool samples were examinedusing formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression was done for assessing associated risk factors and proportions for categorical variables were compared using chi-square test. P values less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Results. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 89.9% (n = 346). The overall helminthic infection in this study was 96.6% (n = 372). Swimming in the river, washing clothes and utensil using river water, crossing the river with bare foot, and fishing activities showed significant association with the occurrence of S. mansoni infection. Conclusion. Schistosoma mansoni infection was high in the study area. Therefore, mass deworming at least twice a year and health education for community are needed.

Schistosoma mansoni Infection Prevalence and Associated Determinant Factors among School Children in Mana District, Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, South West Ethiopia

“…Our present study was lower than those research findings reported from different parts of Ethiopia such as from 89.9% from Saja towm, Northwest Ethiopia [7] , 85% in Zarim, 67% in Gorgora [8], 33.7% and 37.9% from northern Gonder [13,17], 73.9% from Southern Tigray [15] 81.3% from Wolita [10], 74.9% from Wondo Genet [11], 67.6% from Fincha valley Wollega [21] and 64.3% from Northwestern Tanzania [28]. This difference may be due to long endemicity of the parasites in the study area, sample size for the study, availability of the intermediate host in open water sources which the students have frequent contact with it ecological and climatic condition .…”

“…Based on this, bathing habits, washing clothes in open water sources and crossing rivers on bare foots were independent predictors for S. mansoni infection which is similar with finding reported from Gorgora town from North Gonder [16] Saja town Northwest Ethiopia [7] …”

“…Previous studies showed that the prevalence of S. mansoni among school children was 89.9% in Saja town [7], 85% in Zarim, 67% Gorgora [8], 23.9% of Surbs city of Mekelle [9], 81.3% from Wolita [10], 74.9% from Wondo Genet [11], 33.7% and 15.9% from Northern Gonder [12,13], 21.2% from Southern of Lake Lagano [14], 73.9% from Southern Tigray [15], 20.6% Gorgora Town [16], 37.9% from Gonder [17], 1.3% from University Gonder Community School [18] , 0.8% from Amibera district [19], 5.95% among school children of different water source users in Tigray [20] , 67.6% in Finchaa valley [21], 2.1 and 24% from Jimma [22,23]. Hygiene and play habits make children especially vulnerable to infection [3].…”

Prevalence ofSchistosoma mansoniInfection in Four Health Areas of Kisantu Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo

“…These results are similar to those found in Nigeria [18, 32], in Kenya [38], in Yemen [24], and in Ethiopia [27, 29, 30]. …”

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasites in Ethiopian Ortodox Tewahido Church Religious Students, Ethiopia

“…Among signi cantly associated factors observed, participants with high swimming frequencies and swimming habits had 2.3 times more rate of infection than those who had no habits. This was similar to studies which reported signi cant associations between parasitic infections and swimming practices and frequencies (30)(31)(32).…”