Abstract:
The control of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infections among adult
population has been given little attention in the prevention and control programs. Most control
programs target mainly children, leaving out the rest of the community members who may
contribute to sustained transmission. Infections in adults may constitute a potential reservoir for
transmission and a source of infection to children living in endemic settings. This study aimed to
determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infections
among adult population in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study adults involving adults was conducted from
October 1, 2020 to January 30, 2021. Using multistage proportional sampling technique, 827 adults
were involved in this study. Data on Sociodemographic characteristics and factors associated with
soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infections were collected using semi-structured.
Stool samples were collected from each study participant and processed using Kato-Katz technique.
Intensity of the soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni were determined by egg count in
stool. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software
version 20.0
Results: The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni were 26.5%
and 1.8%, respectively. Out of the total participants, 11.9%, 8.9% and 6.9% were infected with A.
lumbricoides, hookworms and T. trichiura, respectively. Fecal egg counts revealed that 98.6% and
86.7% of the study participants infected with soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni
had light infections, respectively. Moreover, 1.4% and 13.3% of the study participants infected with
hookworms and Schistosoma mansoni had moderate parasite intensity, respectively. Consumption of
unwashed vegetables and/or fruits (AOR=2.92, 95% CI: (2.00-4.272), absence of toilet at the
compound (AOR = 3.42; 95% CI: 2.33-5.029), and walking barefoot (AOR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.78-
7.79) were significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminths infections. Swimming in the river
(AOR = 5.82, 95% CI: 1.56-21.68) and crossing river on foot (AOR = 4.34, 95% CI: 2.443-35.72)
were significantly associated with Schistosoma mansoni infections.
Conclusion: This study revealed that soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infections
are prevalent among adult populations in study area, mostly with light intensity infection. Light
infections may contribute to sustained transmission and circulation of the infection in the community.
The adult populations may contribute to sustained transmission of soil-transmitted helminths and
Schistosoma mansoni in the area, thus this segment of the population should be considered in control
and elimination programs.
