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. 2022 Nov 30:6:125-134.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.11.012. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Intestinal schistosomiasis among secondary school students in Northern Tanzania: prevalence, infection intensity and associated risk factors

Lilian G Samweli  1 , Angel J Sesera  1 , Vivian Mushi  1   2 , Valeria Silvestri  1 , Hoseenu Palilo  1 , Winfrida John  3 , Yonah Eliud Yangaza  4 , Donath Tarimo  1
Affiliations

Intestinal schistosomiasis among secondary school students in Northern Tanzania: prevalence, infection intensity and associated risk factors

Lilian G Samweli et al. IJID Reg. .

Abstract

Objective: Our study investigated the prevalence, infection intensity and associated risk factors of intestinal schistosomiasis among secondary school students in Shinyanga Municipal Council, Northern Tanzania.

Methods: A quantitative school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2022 among 620 secondary students. One stool specimen per participant was collected and screened for Schistosoma mansoni ova by microscopy using the Kato-Katz technique. Ova were counted to estimate infection intensity in all positive stool samples. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors for intestinal schistosomiasis were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression.

Results: Overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 1.9%. All infected participants had light infection intensity. Overall prevalence of other intestinal parasites was 2.7%, with Hookworm spp (17.6%) and Entamoeba coli (52.9%) the most observed intestinal helminth and protozoa, respectively. Among assessed factors, being in form II or III, visiting water sources and doing activities in water sources were statistically significantly associated with increased risk of S. mansoni transmission.

Conclusions: There is ongoing transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis among secondary students. Hence, the need for extending praziquantel administration in this group, health education provision, and improvement of water supply, sanitation and hygienic practices.

Keywords: Intestinal schistosomiasis; MDA, Mass Drug Administration; NTDCP, Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme; Northern Tanzania; S. mansoni; Secondary school students; Shinyanga municipal council; WHO, World Health Organization; WaSH, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

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Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1
Prevalence of other intestinal parasites among study participants.
Figure 2:
Figure 2
Attitudes on intestinal schistosomiasis among study participants.
Figure 3:
Figure 3
Practices on intestinal schistosomiasis among study participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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