Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and associated factors in irrigation workers in Gamo Gofa and South Omo Zone, 2017: A Community based parasitological survey

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases and an important public health problem in many developing countries. In this era of global warming and climatic changes, the epidemiology of temperature-dependent infectious diseases could be changing implying the possibility of new transmission area in the world in general and in Ethiopia in particular. This study aims to assess the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and associated factors in irrigation workers in Gamo Gofa and South Omo Zone, 2017. Community based cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted between March and June; 2017. Data were collected by using pre tested structured questionnaire and stool sample was collected from each participant for laboratory investigation. Kato-katz technique was used as recommended by World Health Organization for stool laboratory investigation to relevant variables. Descriptive frequencies like cross tabulation was calculated to describe the study variables. Binary and Multivariable logistic regression analysis was undertaken to assess the presence and degree of association between dependent and independent variables. The prevalence of S. mansoni was found to be 14% [95%CI;(12.2, 15.8 )]. Respondents with poor knowledge AOR; 2.18(1.12, 4.85),those not wearing shoes (bare foot) AOR; 1.44(1.15, 4.12) and who have not moved from one agricultural site to other sites; AOR 0.38(0.15, 0.35) were significantly identified as associated factors with S. mansoni infection. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was moderate based on World Health Organization (WHO) schistosoma prevalence classification. The following are recommended: improving community knowledge on prevention methods and considering adult agriculture workers in South Omo Zone Nary River basin for mass drug treatment, Improving habit of wearing protective shoes, avoiding frequent contact with contaminated water bodies during bathing, swimming and crossing of water bodies’ will be essential behavioral factors to reduce the infection of S. mansoni. Key words: Schistosoma mansoni, irrigation workers, parasitological survey.