Epidemiology of Soil-Transmitted Helminths And Schistosoma Mansoni Infections among Adult Population In Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia

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.