PREVALENCE, INTENSITY, AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI INFECTION AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN ALONG AN IRRIGATION LINE IN JIMA ARJO DISTRICT, EAST WOLLEGA, WESTERN ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, Schistosoma mansoni infection is a major public health concern. Schoolchildren typically have the largest parasite burden, and the condition has been associated with anemia, stunting, and cognitive impairments, resulting in poor school performance and greater dropout rates, However, there was insufficient information on the present status of these infections to suggest an intervention in the study area. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence, intensity of infection, and factors associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection among schoolchildren along an irrigation line in Jima Arjo district, East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia. Method: A school-based cross-sectional study was carried out between February and May 2023. Stool samples are collected from 523 schoolchildren, who are selected by systematic sampling techniques, and they were be examined for the ova of S. mansoni using the three-slide Kato–Katz technique and formal ether concentration techniques. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics and possible predisposing factors. Data was entered into Epi-info version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 24 software. Variables with p <0.25 in the bivariate analysis (COR) were entered into multivariable analysis (AOR). A p-value <0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression was considered as statistically significant. Result: The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection in the selected primary school was 140 (27.4%). In addition to Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoid 158 (30.9%), Hook worm 41 (8%), Trichuris trichiura 24 (4.3%), Hymenolepis nana 20 (3.9%), Giardia lamblia 18 (3.5%), Enterobius vermicularis 9 (1.8%), and Tenia species 7 (1.4%), were other parasites detected in the investigation. The infection intensity of Schistosoma mansoni was 99 (75%) light, 27 (20%) moderate, and 7 (5%) heavy. The rate of Schistosoma mansoni infections was significantly higher among schoolchildren who were involved in irrigation-related activities (AOR, 4.49; 95% CI 2.43–8.31; p = 0.001), who had swimming habits (AOR, 0.31; 95% CI 0.15-0.61; p = 0.01), bath habits in canal water (AOR, 5.19; 95% CI 1.78–15.09; p = 0.002), bathing in spring water (AOR, 3.37; 95% CI 1.11–10.24; p = 0.032), and crossing water bodies barefoot (AOR, 0.30; 95% CI 0.17–0.54; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection was moderate and the infection intensity was light. Therefore, it is crucial to use biannual (twice a year) mass treatment and integrated approaches such as behavioural change, snail control, and environmental intervention to reduce these infections to an insignificant level.