Evaluation of a programme for control of schistosoma haematobium infection in Yemen.
An intervention study was conducted in Khamir, north of Sana'a, for control of urinary schistosomiasis using chemotherapy and health education. The validity and cost-effectiveness of reagent strips as a rapid diagnostic tool to screen for Schistosoma haematobium infection was also assessed along with visible haematuria. Prevalence of S. haematobium infection 14 months post-intervention fell from 58.9% to 5.8% and frequency of heavy infection from 40.0% to 18.9%. Health education sessions resulted in significant decrease in the frequency of contact with water sources and greater adherence to preventive measures. Mass chemotherapy plus health education is a feasible and effective method for reducing S. haematobium infection in Yemen. Reagent strips and visible haematuria could be cost-effective in remote areas with limited access to health services.
Nagi
M A M
MA
National Schistosomiasis and Endemic Diseases Control Programme, Sana'a, Yemen. nagi112000@yahoo.com
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D015995:Prevalence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011934:Reagent Strips / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012553:Schistosomiasis haematobia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012556:Schistosomicides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014867:Water / Q000469:parasitology; D015006:Yemen / Q000453:epidemiology
D011934:Reagent Strips; D012556:Schistosomicides; D014867:Water