Risk factors associated with schistosomiasis in school-age children around Lake Albert, Western Uganda

Abstract

Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in the endemic communities of Uganda. To improve schistosomiasis control strategies in Uganda, this study aimed at assessing the effects of water sources, sanitation, sex, age, and intermediate hosts abundance on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in School-age children of Buhirigi and Kaiso communities such that, the current measures can be strengthened or integrated with other control strategies. Stool samples that were collected from children were processed using the Kato Katz technique for parasite screening. Parents or guardians of school-age children attending primary two classes of each school were randomly selected by inviting those of every 4th child on the register to respond to a WASH questionnaire. The scooping method was used to collect Biomphalaria intermediate host snail species on sites along the Hoimo River and Lake Albert to determine their abundance and infectivity rate. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni across the two schools was 67.4%. The children in Kaiso primary school had a higher prevalence of 89.0% compared to those of Buhirigi (52.6%). The intensity was higher in children from Kaiso primary school than those of Buhirigi. Regarding WASH facilities, the majority of the respondents from Buhirigi reported using hanging toilets 28 (58.3 %), while those of Kaiso reported using flush/pour flush into pit latrines 21 (42.0%). Boreholes were the main source of water in Buhirigi 23 (47.9%), while in Kaiso L. Albert 24 (48%) were the main source of water. Biomphalaria species were more abundant in L. Albert sites (1431) compared to sites on the Hoimo River (135). Schistosomiasis remains highly prevalent in endemic communities of Hoima District. Poor WASH facilities particularly in the Kaiso community compel inhabitants to maintain behaviours that lead to contact with water where intermediate hosts are present.