Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Intestinal schistosomiasis is prevalent in East Africa including Ethiopia. Constructed
five years back, Gilgel Gibe dam is suspected to harbor the intermediate host for transmission of
schistosomiasis. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis
and risk factors among school children.
METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out in October 2008 in four Woredas
bordering Gilgel Gibe dam, within 10 kilometers, and Bulbul, which is 30 Kms away from the dam.
Children attending grades 1-8 in the schools located adjacent to the dam constituted the cases and those
living in Bulbul constitute the controls. Using Epinfo version 6.0 for cross-sectional study, a sample size
of 937 was determined. Sample size allocation was done 2:1 for cases and control. After interview, stool
sample was collected and analyzed. Screening for the presence of intermediate host and physiochemical
analyses of selected water bodies along the major water contact sites of the reservoir was also done Data
were entered into computer and analyzed using SPSS for windows version 13.0.1.
RESULTS: Out of 624 sampled cases and 312 controls, 585 and 270 participated in the study giving a
response rate of 93.8% and 86.5%, respectively. Four hundred seventy four (81.0% of the cases and 203
(75.2%) controls use latrine regularly. On stool examination, 406 (47.5%) children, 295 (50.4%) cases
and 111 (41.1%) controls) were positive to intestinal parasites but only two children, both from the
control groups, were positive for Schistosoma mansoni. The three river water samples on which
malacological survey was done had similar physicochemical characteristics in many ways except high
conductivity, pH and percent of dissolved oxygen concentration (milligram per liter) at one site where
uninfected Biomphilaria Pfeifferi was found
CONCLUSION: The study revealed that schistosomiasis is not yet a problem at Gilgel-Gibe dam. But,
continuous surveying is required as the intermediate host is prevalent, the water bodies are suitable for
the intermediate host and cases of schistosomiasis are identified 30 kms away the dam, in control area.
