Prevalence and Risk factors associated with the transmission of Urinary Schistosomiasis among the school-going children in Kafue district, Zambia

Abstract

Urinary Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical snail-borne diseases of humans in Zambia. It's endemic in most communities, where water bodies and poor sanitation are prominent. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with Schistosomiasis propagation among pupils. A total of 321 urine samples and questionnaires were collected. The results showed that 10.6% (34/321) were infected including 3.7% of girls and 6.9% of boys. The results also indicated that 64.7% had 30mg/dL, 17.6% had 100mg/dL and 8.8% had 500mg/dL proteinuria while 18% showed 100mg/dL, 34% showed 300mg/dL and 12% showed 1000mg/dL haematuria. Of the 34 infected, 23.5% (8/34) were herdsmen, 26.6% (9/34) were swimming, and fishing, 17.6% (6/34) were washing plates and clothes, while 17.6% (6/34) were gardening. The boys were more at risk than girls (RR=1.6). Our results showed that not only proximity to the river could be a risk, but also water activities were the principal risks for contraction of Schistosomiasis. Our findings suggest that positive pupils were in contact with infective cercariae through various water activities. Therefore, there is a need to enhance educational campaigns on threats and prevention measures to reduce further infection.