Prevalence and associated risk factors of soil Transmitted helminths and schistosoma mansoni Infections among communities along rivers in Gudar town, west shawa, west ethiopia

Abstract

ackground: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) are among the most common cause of human infections and are distributed throughout developing countries including Ethiopia. However, information is scarce on the current status of these infections to guide intervention in the study area. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of STHs and S. mansoni infections among communities along rivers in Gudar town from September to October 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed from September to October 2021 among communities along rivers in Gudar town, West Shawa, Ethiopia. A total of 279 study participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were sampled randomly. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants, and associated factors of STHs and S. mansoni infections. For the quantification of STHs and S. mansoni eggs, the stool sample was processed using a single Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered into Epi-info and analyzed using SPSS. Binary logistic regression analysis was done and variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Live snails collected in a plastic bucket containing water and weed were transported to the Ambo University for identification and determination of infection. Results: The overall prevalence of any STHs and S. mansoni was 59(21.2%), of which the prevalence of STHs and S. mansoni accounts for 54 (19.4%) and 10(3.6%), respectively. Among STHs, A. lumbricoides was the predominant parasite detected in 39(14%) followed by T. trichiura 13(4.7%) and hookworms 11(3.9%). Light intensity was found in the majority of study participants infected with STHs and S. mansoni. Having untrimmed fingernails, Lack of washing vegetables and fruit, and open defecation habit were significantly associated with STHs infection while swimming in the nearby river was significantly associated with S. mansoni. A few of the live snails collected were identified as B. pfeifferi and cercariae shading was not detected. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study showed 19.4 % of STHs and 3.6% of S. mansoni infections. So, case-by-case treatment is recommended to control morbidity associated with STHs and S. mansoni infections in the study area