Examining the Awareness Level, Prevalence and the Risk Factors that Reinforce the Schistosoma Life cycle and Its Transmission among Children in the Bosomtwe District, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in poor communities without access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.

Objective: The study aimed at examining the awareness level, prevalence and the risk factors that reinforce the schistosoma lifecycle and its transmission among children in the Bosomtwe District, Ghana.

Methods: The study was conducted cross-sectionally and made used of positivists approach where 333 children were enrolled. These children were made to provide a 10ml urine sample, which was examined microscopically for schistosoma haematobium eggs. Data were collected using the on-line data tool Kobo Collect.

Results: Out of 333 participants, median age was 14 (IQR: 12-15); 50.50% were female. Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence was 30.60%, with main predictor being urinating in fresh water (multivariate analysis). The bivariate analysis revealed that age group 11-14[2.56 (1.01-6.46) 0.047], staying close to a fresh water source [2.95 (1.75-5.00) <0.001], swimming/bathing [11.18 (4.70-26) <0.001], walking barefoot [12.00 (5.05-28.50) <0.001], drinking [4.36 (2.63-7.22) <0.001], urinating [6.36 (3.70- 10.95) <0.001], and fetching from fresh water source [2.11 (1.28-3.44) 0.003] were significantly associated with urinary schistosomiasis. Children urinating in fresh water were 3 times more likely to have schistosomiasis compared to those who did not (aOR=2.93, CI=1.41-6.08, p=0.004). Only 30% were aware, while 69.4% lacked access to clean toilets.

Conclusion: The findings emphasise the urgent need for targeted interventions to raise awareness about safe sanitation practices and to provideaccess to clean toilet facilities, especially in high-risk areas.