Infections and Morbidities Among School Children in Hotspot Areas of Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

is endemic in all regions of Ethiopia. School-age children are highly vulnerable to schistosomiasis-related morbidities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and morbidities among schoolchildren in schistosomiasis hotspot areas of Jimma Town.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study was conducted among schoolchildren in Jimma Town. Stool sample was examined using Kato-Katz for the detection of .

RESULTS

A total of 332 schoolchildren were included in the study. The prevalence of and STHs was 20.2% and 19.9%, respectively. Males (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.9; 95% CI: 2.4-10.1;  = .001), swimming habits (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1-8.3;  = .033) and schools attended (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4-13.6;  = .012, AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.3-10.9;  = .014) were associated factors for infections. Blood in stool (AOR = 2.0; CI: 1.0-4.1;  = .045) and feeling general malaise (AOR = 4.0; CI: 1.4-11.3;  = .007) were significantly associated with infection-related morbidities. Moreover, prevalence of stunting among schoolchildren 6 to 11 years of age was 29.7% (71/239).

CONCLUSION

The transmission of among schoolchildren is moderate. Sex, swimming habits and schools attended were associated with infections. Blood in stool and general malaise were clinical characteristics associated with infections. Integration of health promotion is needed to achieve control and elimination goals. Attention should also be given to stunted growth of the children.