Schistosomiasis infection among school children in the Zhaugwe resettlement area, Zimbabwe April 2005.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with contracting schistosomiasis in Zhaugwe resettlement area of Shurugwi district.


METHODS
Cross sectional study.


METHODS
The community in the Zhaugwe resettlement area of Shurugwi district, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe.


METHODS
School children in primary and secondary levels.


METHODS
Prevalence of schistosomiasis infection, risk factors for contracting schistosomiasis.


RESULTS
Prevalence of S. haematobium and S. mansoni was 68% and 0.2%, respectively. Participating in watering the respondents' household garden (O.R = 8.1, 95% CI 1.65 to 40.2), fetching water for the home garden (O.R=3,96 95% CI 1.38 to 11.32), fishing with their legs in the water (O.R = 3.1 95% CI 1.6 to 5.8), bathing in the river or stream (O.R = 3.1 95% CI 1.68 to 5.8) were found to be statistically significantly associated with contracting schistosomiasis infection. Fishing with legs immersed in water, having a garden at home, and swimming in the river were positively associated with infection. Those who reported blood in their urine were 16 times more like to be positive for S. haematobium than those without. Vector snails were present at all water contact sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem in the area. We recommend mass treatment of all school children in all other schools in the area. The community should be encouraged to cultivate Phytoloca dedocandra for snail control.
Chirundu
D
D
Kadoma City Health Department, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe.
Chimusoro
A
A
Jones
D
D
Midzi
N
N
Mabaera
B
B
Apollo
T
T
Tshimanga
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012548:Schistosoma haematobium / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012553:Schistosomiasis haematobia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology