Abstract:
Background: Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiases (STH) are among the
neglected tropical diseases which are widely distributed globally. The sub Saharan Africa
(SSA) region carries the highest burden of these infections, mainly because of poor personal
and environmental sanitations. Despite theextensive geographical overlap of STH and
Schistosoma mansoni (S.mansoni) infection in SSA, there is limited information about the
extent of its co-infection.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine STH and S.mansoni infection and
associatedrisk factors among school children of Manna district.
Methods: A school based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2018. A
total of 422 apparently healthy school children (SC) were included in the study. Semistructured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and hygiene practices. The
stool samples processed using double Kato-Katz and examined under light microscopy for
the diagnosis of STH and S.mansoni. The data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and
analyzed using SPSS-version 20 statistical software. Statistical analysis of the data was
undertaken using binary and multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was
decided when the P< 0.05.
Results:The prevalence of any helminths infection (STH and S.mansoni)
was329(77.9%).While, prevalence of S.mansoni and STH was 300(71.1%) and
111(26.3%)respectively.The prevalence of STH &S.mansoni co-infection was 82 (19.4%).
Higher co-infection rate was obtained between hookworms and S.mansoni (12.3%).The
prevalence of STH &S.mansoni co-infection was 10.9% & 29.5% among Sayeodo and
Korekonjo SC, respectively.The intensity of almost all STH infection was found to be light.
Prevalence of S.mansoni infection was significantly higher in males [AOR 1.72, 95% CI
(1.14-2.72)]. Heavy intensity infection of S.mansoni was higher in males (20.4%) than female
students (11.1%).
Conclusion and recommendation: STH and S.mansoni co-infections are important public
health problems among school children in the study area specially the co-infection of
S.mansoni and hookworm. Moreover, there is high prevalence of S.mansoni among
SC.Integrated prevention and control program that address STH and S.mansoni as oneshould
beimplemented.
