Prevalence and Associated Factors of Soil Transmitted Helminths and <i>Schistosoma</i> <i>mansoni</i> Infections Among Communities Along Rivers in Guder Town, West Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> (<i>S. mansoni</i>) are among the most common cause of human infections and are distributed throughout developing countries including Ethiopia. However, there is little information on the current status of these infections to guide intervention in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of STHs and S. mansoni infections among communities along rivers in Guder town from September to October 2021. A cross-sectional study design was employed from September to October 2021 among communities along rivers in Guder town, West Shewa, Ethiopia. A total of 279 study participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were sampled randomly. Data on the sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and risk factors for STHs and <i>S. mansoni</i> infections were gathered using a structured questionnaire. 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 were transferred to the Ambo University in a plastic container with water and weed for identification and cercaria infection. The overall prevalence of any STHs and <i>S. mansoni</i> was 59 (21.2%), of which the prevalence of STHs and <i>S. mansoni</i> accounts for 54 (19.4%) and 10 (3.6%), respectively. Among Soil-Transmitted Helminths, 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 <i>S. mansoni</i>. Having untrimmed fingernails, Lack of washing vegetables and fruit, and open defecation habits were significantly associated with STHs infection while swimming in the nearby river was significantly associated with <i>S. mansoni</i>. A few of the live snails collected were identified as <i>B. pfeifferi</i> and cercariae shading was not detected. This study showed 19.4 % of Soil Transmitted Helminths and 3.6% of <i>S. mansoni</i> infections. So, case-by-case treatment is recommended to control morbidity associated with Soil-Transmitted Helminths and <i>S. mansoni</i> infections in the study area.