The epidemiological status of urogenital schistosomiasis among reproductive aged individuals in the Tiko Health Area- a semi-urban setting in the Mount Cameroon area.

Vicky Daonyle Ndassi,Kouemou Nadege,Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele,Lennin Azaofah Ngufor,Judith Kuoh Anchang-Kimbi,Helen Kuokuo Kimbi,Alessandra Morassutti

doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0008978

Vicky Daonyle Ndassi, Kouemou Nadege + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008978

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Abstract

BackgroundUrogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by S. haematobium has enormous reproductive health consequences including infertility. Reproductive aged individuals are a neglected group and not included in control programs in Cameroon. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of S. haematobium infection in the context of gender and socio-economic structures that shape behaviour among reproductive aged individuals living in Tiko, a semi-urban setting, Cameroon.Methodology/Principal findingsA cross-sectional study was carried out in the Tiko Health District (THD) between May to September 2019. Consenting individuals were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique and administered a semi-structured questionnaire to document data on socio-demographic and stream contact behaviour. A urine sample was collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium ova using reagent strips, filtration and microscopy. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 22.8% (95% CL: 19.27–26.73) with geometric mean egg load of 18.74 (range: 1–1600) per 10ml of urine. Younger age group (15 – 20years) (OR: 5.13; 95% CL: 1.35–19.42), male (OR: 2.60 3.07; 95% CL: 1.54–4.40) and awareness of UGS (OR: 1.73; 95% CL: 1.02–2.95) were associated with higher odds of exposure to infection. Significantly higher intensity of infection was seen in males, singles and in the age group 15–30 years. It is worth noting that males carried out more activities which entailed longer duration in streams.Conclusion/SignificanceThe prevalence obtained shows that Tiko is a moderate-risk area for UGS with underlying morbidity-inducing infection intensity. The severity of the infection is more in males. Awareness of the disease is not enough to protect these communities from infection, but provision of public infrastructures and health education will limit contact with infested water and thus curtail the infection. There is an urgent need to involve all age groups in control programs.

Highlights

Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by dioecious blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma
This study aims to provide an update on epidemiological findings on Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) among reproductive aged individuals living in the Tiko Health District, Cameroon
83% have lived in the study area for more than 4 years and only 31.8% of the participants have heard of urogenital schistosomiasis, 64.5% live within 100m away from infested streams among whom almost two-third rely on stream water (66.4%, n = 338)

Summary

Introduction

Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by dioecious blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. The roles of women and girls within the household including chores such as washing of clothes and dishes, collecting water for household consumption exposes them to daily risk of infection [9, 10]. Livelihood activities such as fishing, agriculture which often require contact with infested waters have been linked to the male gender [10]. This study investigated the prevalence and severity of S. haematobium infection in the context of gender and socio-economic structures that shape behaviour among reproductive aged individuals living in Tiko, a semiurban setting, Cameroon

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