factors influencing Schistosoma Heamatobium infection among men in Wete district Pemba Zanzibar

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. It is the second major parasitic problem of the world; 200 million people are at risk to this infestation. It has been estimated that over 500,000 deaths occur every year due to schistosomiasis. Approximately two-thirds of the schistosomiasis cases are due to infection caused by Schistosoma haematobium. Possible consequences of Schistosoma haematobium infection include, dysuria, nutritional deficiencies, and lesions of the bladder, kidney failure, an elevated risk of bladder cancer and in children growth retardation. According to Sacolo et al., (2018), emphasize that socio-cultural behaviors that affects knowledge, attitude and practices influence effective prevention and control of parasitic infections. studies have indicated that majority of the adolescents and adult’s male who are head of the families are more prone to schistosomiasis infection than other groups due to their involvement in different risky economic activities. Objective: To assess factors influencing Schistosoma haematobium infection among men in Wete district – Pemba, Zanzibar. Methods: This was a Cross-sectional study design conducted within five wards of Wete District, Pemba Island in Zanzibar. The study included a total of 168 men aged between 18-45 years. Data on water contact behaviors, socio-economic and health system factors were collected by use of structured questionnaire translated into Swahili. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine independent factors influencing S. Haematobium infection. Results: A total of 168 men were included in the study, 23.3% (n=39) of the study participants reported to have suffered from Schistosoma infection within the past three months. Majority of the participants (51.1%, n=82) were aged between 18-34 years. Most of the study participants (58.6%, n=98) had attained secondary level education. Results showed that water contact for <30 minutes, bathing and swimming behaviors, age between (18-34 years), lower education level, being rural or peri urban residents, respondents awareness of Schistosoma infection, availability of health centers, accessible medical services for schistosomiasis, prevailing symptoms and signs, and individual willingness to pay for the screening were associated factors for S. haematobium infection among the studied group. Conclusions and recommendations: The proportion of men with history of S. haematobium infection in Wete district is still high 23.3%. Factors such as the water contact behavior, low education, area of residence and awareness of the available medical services for the treatment for S. haematobium were significantly associated with Schistosomiasis infection. It is recommended that prevention and control strategies should focus more on behavior change interventions.