Soil transmitted helminthes and schistosoma mansoniinfection and associated risk factors among school children of manna district

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.