Conference abstract
Prevalence, risk factors and mitigation measures for Schistosomiasis Same lowland eastern province
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:21(40).29
Apr 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.21.40.2330
Archived on: 29 Apr 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Schistosoma Haematobium, CHMTs
Oral presentation
Prevalence, risk factors and mitigation measures for Schistosomiasis Same lowland eastern province
Bilisia John Brown1,&, Alex P. Alexander2,3, CHMT’s Same District Council
1Department of Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Services Same District Council, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, 2Vector Control Department, Muheza College of Health and Allied Sciences, Muheza, Tanzania, 3National Institute for Medical Research, Gonja Station, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: in the Same district, Kilimanjaro region, schistosomiasis remains a significant health issue in rural villages like Ndungu, Kalemawe, Kihurio, Karamba, Mvure Kongei, and Bendera. DHIS2 data from dispensaries and health centres showed that reported cases increased from 33% to 65% between 2019 and 2023. These villages rely on the Kidundai River/swamps for water. This study aims to assess prevalence, raise risk factor awareness, and implement mitigation measures.
Methods: an operational study was conducted in 8 primary schools across two villages, Kihurio and Mvure Kongei, involving seven villages, selected using purposive sampling between February 22nd and March 3rd, 2023. Urine and fecal samples were collected from 520 schoolchildren and examined for Schistosoma Haematobium eggs/ova and Schistosoma mansoni. Demographic, socio-economic, and environmental information was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, 25 family households were randomly selected to gauge awareness of disease risk factors among 250 individuals aged 18-45.
Results: overall, 59.6% of children across all eight schools tested positive for Schistosomiasis, with 49.3% infected with Schistosoma haematobium and 10.3% with Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence of Schistosomiasis was significantly higher in Schistosoma Haematobium than in Schistosoma mansoni. It was notably higher in children aged >10 years compared to those aged <10 years Students aged 10-16 years were most commonly affected, with 65% male and 35% female pupils. Among family members interviewed, 55% of females were knowledgeable about the disease's risk factors, while 20% of males were aware, leaving 15% with no knowledge of the risks.
Conclusion: consultation with district-level authorities (CHMTs) facilitated a massive outreach effort, distributing praziquantel drugs to all schools in two villages. 3200 students received prophylactic treatment, while infected individuals were treated. Education and community engagement initiatives were implemented to discourage the use of swamps as a water source for irrigation and household activities.
Prevalence, risk factors and mitigation measures for Schistosomiasis Same lowland eastern province
Bilisia John Brown1,&, Alex P. Alexander2,3, CHMT’s Same District Council
1Department of Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Services Same District Council, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, 2Vector Control Department, Muheza College of Health and Allied Sciences, Muheza, Tanzania, 3National Institute for Medical Research, Gonja Station, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: in the Same district, Kilimanjaro region, schistosomiasis remains a significant health issue in rural villages like Ndungu, Kalemawe, Kihurio, Karamba, Mvure Kongei, and Bendera. DHIS2 data from dispensaries and health centres showed that reported cases increased from 33% to 65% between 2019 and 2023. These villages rely on the Kidundai River/swamps for water. This study aims to assess prevalence, raise risk factor awareness, and implement mitigation measures.
Methods: an operational study was conducted in 8 primary schools across two villages, Kihurio and Mvure Kongei, involving seven villages, selected using purposive sampling between February 22nd and March 3rd, 2023. Urine and fecal samples were collected from 520 schoolchildren and examined for Schistosoma Haematobium eggs/ova and Schistosoma mansoni. Demographic, socio-economic, and environmental information was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, 25 family households were randomly selected to gauge awareness of disease risk factors among 250 individuals aged 18-45.
Results: overall, 59.6% of children across all eight schools tested positive for Schistosomiasis, with 49.3% infected with Schistosoma haematobium and 10.3% with Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence of Schistosomiasis was significantly higher in Schistosoma Haematobium than in Schistosoma mansoni. It was notably higher in children aged >10 years compared to those aged <10 years Students aged 10-16 years were most commonly affected, with 65% male and 35% female pupils. Among family members interviewed, 55% of females were knowledgeable about the disease's risk factors, while 20% of males were aware, leaving 15% with no knowledge of the risks.
Conclusion: consultation with district-level authorities (CHMTs) facilitated a massive outreach effort, distributing praziquantel drugs to all schools in two villages. 3200 students received prophylactic treatment, while infected individuals were treated. Education and community engagement initiatives were implemented to discourage the use of swamps as a water source for irrigation and household activities.
