Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Urinary Schistosomiasis Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Nyando Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Background: In underdeveloped nations, parasitic infections and the severe sequelae that follow are frequent. Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nyando Sub-County, and investigations conducted there have revealed high rates of infection in both children and adults. Children who attend school are particularly impacted in their age group. This study used a cross-sectional design to examine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis, potential co-infection with intestinal schistosomiasis, and whether there were symptoms suggesting probable female genital schistosomiasis among women living in Rabuor, Bwanda, and Nyamware sub-locations, all in Nyando Sub-County, Kenya, between the ages of 18 years and 49 years. Methods: Simple random sampling was employed to obtain villages for sample collection. Households with women aged 18 to 49 years were registered in selected villages. Proportional sampling was used to obtain women from each selected village following registration of households. One woman was selected in every fourth household in each village until sample size of 345 was reached. Urine examination for the presence of S. haematobium was conducted by concentrating the urine by centrifuging, then examining under a microscope. The Kato Katz technique was used for screening faecal samples for S.mansoni and other geohelminths. Risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis transmission examined included: hygiene, age, education level and contact with possibly infested water. Results: S. haematobium tests for all the ladies came out negative. The investigation discovered a mean intensity of 72 eggs per gram of feces and a prevalence rate for S.mansoni of 0.3%. E. coli (1.2%), E. histolystica / E. dispar / E. moshkovskii (4.1%), and mixed infections of E. histolystica / E. dispar / E. moshkovskii, E. coli, and C. mesnili (0.3%) were among the other parasites discovered in the feces. According to the study, there is no correlation between the risk factors and intestinal schistosomiasis (OR=1, 95% CI: 0.00 - 0.00). Participants also lacked knowledge of the causes, signs, modes of transmission, and various defenses against urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis. Conclusion: Less commonly seen in the region are S.mansoni and S.haematobium. Additionally, there was no evidence of a probable co-infection between intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis. Low prevalence rates were associated with the National Deworming Programme run by the Kenyan government where deworming exercises are conducted in all schools. Such programmes

have helped with vector control among children thereby leading to reduction in longevity of the adult worms among the adults. However, there is need for continuous community education on health and regular screening should also be implemented to help champion for improved levels of awareness and better knowledge on the disease.