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Aims:This study aimed at determining the prevalence, infection intensities and risk factors associated with Schistosomiasis (SCH) and Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) among school aged children (SAC) in Tiko Health District (THD). Study Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three health areas (Likomba, Holforth and Tiko town) in Tiko Health District.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in THD from July to October, 2018.Methodology:The study included 464 children of both sexes aged between 4 –15 years. Stool and urine samples were collected from 464 children and processed using the Kato Katz and Urine filtration techniques respectively. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 with statistical significance set at p< 0.05.Results:Of the 464 SAC examined, the overall prevalence of Schistosomiasis, STH and Schistosomiasis/STH co-infection rate in THD was 16.16%, 14.44% and 0.43% respectively. Females (18.98%; 14.81%) were more infected with Schistosomiasis when compared to STH than males (13.71%; 14.11%). The order of STH prevalence observed was Ascariasis (9.27%) > Hookworm disease (3.88%) > Trichuriasis (1.29%). The mean infection intensity for Urinary Schistosomiasis and STH was 4.36 eggs per 10ml and 11.74 eggs per gram (EPG) respectively. SAC residing in Likomba HA were significantly at higher risk of Schistosomiasis (aOR: 4.40, P=0.008) and STH (aOR: 2.14, P= 0.031). Use of tap water was associated with STH.Conclusion: Tiko Health District can be considered as a moderate-risk zone for Schistosomiasis and a low risk zone for STH infection according to WHO classification
RESUMEN
Background:Gonorrhoea and Syphilis are common STIs,particularly among the reproductive age group in most developing countries. Their control is important considering the high incidence of acute infections, complications and their socioeconomic impact and a means of effecting control measures against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Knowledge of the prevalence and risk factors of these infections in a student residential area will enable development of better strategies for STI control.Methods:A health facility based historical study design was conducted where laboratory records of patients screened for Syphilis and/or Gonorrhea and HIV in selected Primary Health Care (PHC)Original Research Article facilities in Buea Health District (BHD) between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Data analysis was done using EPI Info version 3.5.4. with a level of error set at 5%.Results:A total of 1106 records were reviewed. Majority 472(42.7%) were between 21-30 years old, while 923(83.4%) were females. A significant proportion 78 (8.1%) were HIV positive. The prevalence of the both STIs was highest in 2015. The prevalence of gonorrhoea was 12.9% and that of syphilis was 16.9%. The odds of testing positive for syphilis for female compared to males was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.18-0.62); p-value of 0.001, while that for gonorrhoea was 0.22 (95%CI: 0.11, 0.44); p-value of 0.0001. Patients between 21 and 30 years were 2.46 times as likely to be syphilis positive compared to those below 21. Compared to those tested positive, patients who were negative for were 3.33 (95%CI 1.66-6.69) times as likely to test negative for HIV (p value of 0.001).Conclusion:The study revealed a high prevalence of gonorrhoeaand syphilis. Although these infections have similar risk factors, there are distributed differently in the sexually active student residential area. This thus calls for the implementation of targeted screening and to revise control measures for STIs in the population