Association between socio economic status and schistosomiasis infection in Jinja District, Uganda

Abstract

Summaryobjective To examine the role of socioeconomic situation in influencing the risk and intensity of infection with Schistosomiasis mansoni.methods Cross-sectional study in Walukuba Division bordering Lake Victoria, Jinja District. We assessed a random sample of 463 individuals aged 10-20 years for Schistosoma mansoni infection, water contact behaviour and treatment status with praziquantel as of the last mass treatment. Socioeconomic conditions of the participants' households were assessed by calculating a wealth index (based on type of housing and ownership of assets). Households were classified in four classes; multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of being infected with schistosomiasis. Intensities of infection with S. mansoni were compared across the classes of wealth index.results Wealth index emerged a risk factor for infection with S. mansoni after controlling for water contact and treatment with praziquantel. The adjusted odds ratio of being infected for the lowest level of wealth index compared to the highest was 10.42 (95% CI 3.38-32.36 P < 0.001). The intensity of infection decreased with wealth index Linearity F-ratio 13.91, 1 df, P < 0.001). The geometric egg count for those in the lowest wealth index was 230 (95% CI 199-279) compared to 114 (95% CI 80-162) for the highest wealth index.conclusions In addition to mass treatment with praziquantel, improving the socio-economic conditions of the population should be given priority.

Risk Factors and Spatial Distribution of Schistosoma mansoni Infection among Primary School Children in Mbita District, Western Kenya

“…However, the statistical significance of these effects did not remain in the model when considering school effects as a random factor (NB-GLMM). This was considerable based on previous studies which showed higher infection risk associated with lower socioeconomic status [47]. We attribute this to the fact that families living in permanent houses with latrine tended to be found in densely populated areas where infection risk was high, since the local habit of defecation along lake shore is common even though the most of families living around town centre have latrines [28].…”

Understanding Low Uptake of Mass Treatment for Intestinal Schistosomiasis Among School Children: A Qualitative Study in Jinja District, Uganda

“…Many parents cannot afford to meet the cost of a daily meal while at school (GCNF, 2006). The majority of the households in the study area are within 5 km of the lake and children frequently visit the lake to fetch water, bathe, wash, swim and to fish (Muhumuza et al, 2009). Their risk of being infected with schistosomiasis when they come into contact with contaminated water is high, yet these are the same children whose teachers are reluctant to give them praziquantel because of the possible side-effects.…”

“…Since 2003, the MDA activities have been supported through a parallel structure within the Ministry of Health with external funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) channelled through Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International. However, uptake of praziquantel among school children has remained low: 42% in 2009 (Muhumuza et al, 2009), 28.2% in 2011(Muhumuza et al, 2013b and 48.9% in 2012 (Muhumuza et al, 2013a).…”

Schistosoma mansoni polo-like kinases and their function in control of mitosis and parasite reproduction

“…Schistosomes still represent a serious public health concern for human and animals causing major economical problems in endemic areas (Muhumuza et al 2009, King 2010. Moreover, mass chemotherapy using only one drug Praziquantel has raised the fear that schistosomes become resistant to the drug and urges on researchers to discover alternative drugs.…”