Dissertation (MSc Public Health)
Background: Urinary Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem in SubSaharan Africa including Tanzania. Treatment and prevention programs have been focused tothe most vulnerable groups particularly school going children sparing other similarly vulnerable groups like women of reproductive age. Previous evidence has shown that women of reproductive age suffer significant morbidities in endemic areas. This study sought to determine the prevalence, intensity and factors associated with Urinary Schistosomiasis among women of reproductive age in Mbogwe District.
Method: A population-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in three wards in Mbogwe District. A semi-structured questionnaire with variable of interest on social-economic profile and factors associated with of Urinary Schistosomiasis was used. Urine samples of 20-30mils was collected between 10.00 am to 02.00 pm and evaluated for Schistosoma eggs and intensity microscopically. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 for selected important risk factors.
Result: A total of 426 women of reproductive age with a mean age of 27.66 (SD 8.563) years were recruited.The prevalence of f Urinary Schistosomiasis was found to be 4.5% and mean egg intensity among infected individuals was 19.5eggs/10mil of urine. On bivariate logistic regression analysis, education and source of water for domestic use were significantly associated with Urinary Schistosomiasis infection (p-0.001, 95% CI 2.367-15.653) (p-0.014, 95% CI 1.277-8.914) respectively. After adjusting for confounders, education was found to be factor associated with Urinary Schistosomiasis infections (AOR 8.355, 95% CI 3.055 - 23.001).
Conclusion: Urinary Schistosomiasis among women of reproductive age in Mbogwe District is a public health problem that requires increased attention. Educational and other structural interventions targeting women of reproductive age may go a long way in addressing maternal health. Greater attention to this population group should be given greater priority in the control of neglected tropical diseases in the country as they act as reservoir for infection. Additional studies should address factors associated with genital Urinary Schistosomiasis among this population group.