Prevalence and predictors of intestinal schistosomiasis among the adult population, and water and sanitation conditions - A community-based cross-section study at Muleba District, Tanzania

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal schistosomiasis is one of the serious public health problems in all age groups and can lead to considerable morbidity and mortality, especially in communities with an inadequate supply of safe water and sanitation services.
This study was conducted to establish the current burden of intestinal schistosomiasis among adults in the Muleba District and assess water and sanitation conditions that might influence the transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis.
METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2020. A total of 328 stool samples were collected and processed using formal-ether concentration and Kato-Katz
methods. Water and sanitation data were collected using a questionnaire interview conducted among participants. Participants were randomly selected from four villages. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 23.
RESULTS: Thirty-six participants (11%) were infected with Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence was higher among households using water from improved sources, houses without sanitation facilities, and participants who do not use sanitation facilities. We found a significantly increased risk of S. mansoni infection among participants in households without toilet facilities than those with ventilated improved pit latrine (OR =4.10, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis infection among the adult population in Muleba indicates a moderate risk of transmission. The type of toilet facility is a significant factor in the perpetuation of S. mansoni transmission.

Keywords
Intestinal Schistosomiasis; Schistosoma Mansoni; Water; Sanitation; Tanzania