Work

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal schistosomiasis on students at Bochesa Elementary School, around the wetlands of Lake Ziway, Ethiopia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • People living near wetlands rely on them to search for natural resources. • Wetlands not only deliver resources but also spread diseases to the inhabitants. • Intestinal schistosomiasis spreads through skin contact with contaminated wetland water. • Wetland activities can cause schistosomiasis, particularly in school-aged children. • The overall prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was 25.52%. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal schistosomiasis in students at Bochesa Elementary School in the wetlands of Lake Ziway. A cross-sectional study of 384 students was conducted in May 2016. Intestinal schistosomiasis was examined using the Kato-Katz technique. For the association between the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis and categorical variables, the chi-square (χ 2 ) test was used. A binary logistic regression was applied. The overall prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was 25.52%. Males were more infected (17.45%) than women (8.07%), and the difference was significant (χ 2 = 17.756; P <0.05). Lower grade (1–4) students were more infected (20.83%) than grade 5-8 students (4.69%), and the difference was significant (χ 2 = 19.558; P <0.05). Age groups of 7-14-year-old students were more infected (24.74%) than >15-year-old students (0.78%), and the difference was significant (χ 2 = 4.788; P <0.05). The result implied that the wetlands of Lake Ziway are conducive to schistosomiasis. Students should receive health education on the mode of schistosomiasis transmission and its prevention methods, and a buffer zone for the wetlands should be identified. Praziquantel treatment is crucial in reducing intestinal schistosomiasis in students.

Source: IJID Regions

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100591

Author: Ayalew Sisay

Institution: Debre Markos University

Language: English

Topic: Parasites and Host Interactions

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,380