Publication:

Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among students at Al-Agali Islamic complex in Al-Kalakela area, Khartoum State-Sudan

Background In Sudan, urinary schistosomiasis caused by S. haematobium is endemic in many areas of the country, mainly among school-age children. The study was done with the aim to determine the prevalence and possible risk factors of S. haematobium among students at Al-Agali Islamic complex in Al-Kalakla- Sudan.

Methods A total of 102 students were participated. 10 ml of urine sample was taken from each participant, the samples were allowing it to sediment, a drop from sediment was taken and examined microscopically using x40 objective to identify S. haematobium. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and some risk factors. The data were analyzed used SPSS version20. Chi-square test was used to determine the significance differences between variables. The Odds ratio (OR) was applied with 95% CI.

Results The prevalence of S. haematobium among students was 12.7% (13/102). The results showed there was no statistical association between socio-demographic variables (Age group, parents’ education, monthly family income and family size) and S. haematobium positivity (p>0.05). Bivariate analysis showed; swimming in rivers (OR= 8.09, 95% CI=1.69-38.73, p=0.008), working in agriculture (OR= 4.42, 95% CI=1.25-15.55, p=0.020), past infection of S. haematobium (OR=4.87, 95% CI= 1.44- 16.45, P=0.010), pre-schistosoma treatment (OR=10.29, 95% CI=2.14-49.39, p=0.003) and don not knew mode of transmission (OR=10.72, 95% CI=1.33-86.01, p=0.025), statistically significant with S. hameatobium positivity.

Conclusion The S. haematobium is still prevalent among students in study area. Health education on the mode of transmission, possible risk factors and prevention is recommended.