title: Schistosoma mansoni Infection and Associated Determinant Factors among School Children in Sanja Town, Northwest Ethiopia.
abstract: Background. Intestinal schistosomiasis is one of the most widespread parasitic infections in tropical and subtropical countries. Objective. To determine the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and associated determinant factors among school children in Sanja Town, northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March, 2013. 385 school children were selected using stratified proportionate systematic sampling technique. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and associated determinant factors. Stool samples were examinedusing formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression was done for assessing associated risk factors and proportions for categorical variables were compared using chi-square test. P values less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Results. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 89.9% (n = 346). The overall helminthic infection in this study was 96.6% (n = 372). Swimming in the river, washing clothes and utensil using river water, crossing the river with bare foot, and fishing activities showed significant association with the occurrence of S. mansoni infection. Conclusion. Schistosoma mansoni infection was high in the study area. Therefore, mass deworming at least twice a year and health education for community are needed.
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, 196 Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors.forename: Ligabaw
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Worku
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, 196 Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors.forename: Demekech
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Damte
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, 196 Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors.forename: Mengistu
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-4417-2085
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Endris
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, University of Gondar, 196 Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors.forename: Habtie
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tesfa
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Gondar, 196 Gondar, Ethiopia.
authors.forename: Mulugeta
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-0225-9361
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aemero