Prevalence, infection intensity and associated risk factors of Intestinal Schistosomiasis among primary school Children in Lira District, Northern Uganda
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Square
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence, infection
intensity and associated risk factors of intestinal schistosomiasis among primary school children in Lira
district, Uganda. The study was conducted among 532 primary school pupils aged 6-16 years from eight
randomly selected primary schools (March-May 2017). Stool samples were collected and examined for
schistosomiasis using Odongo-Aginya method. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk
factors were obtained using questionnaires.
Results: The overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni
was 35.7% indicating a moderate infection. Both males and females were equally affected with S.
mansoni . Ogur sub county had highest prevalence (65.0%) than others. Akangi (65.5%) and Akano
(64.5%) primary schools both had highest prevalence compared to the others. With regard to risk factors,
source of drinking water, sub-county location and primary school were associated with prevalence of
infection whereas only school location and home distance to water source was associated with intensity.
Participants who fetch water from spring, dam and wells had higher infection than those who fetch from
boreholes. The study recommends provision of safe water, periodic treatment of school-aged children
with praziquantel and public health education to reduce prevalence of S. mansoni
Description
Keywords
Intestinal Schistosomiasis, Prevalence, Risk factors, Children, Lira District, Northern Uganda
Citation
Byagamy, J. P., Malinga, G. M., Angwech, H., Opiro, R., Echodu, R., & Odongo-Aginya, E. (2019). Prevalence, infection intensity and associated risk factors of Intestinal Schistosomiasis among primary school Children in Lira District, Northern Uganda. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.2.12679/v2