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Schistosomiasis infection among school children in the Zhaugwe resettlement area, Zimbabwe April 2005.

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with contracting schistosomiasis in Zhaugwe resettlement area of Shurugwi district.


DESIGN
Cross sectional study.


STUDY SETTING
The community in the Zhaugwe resettlement area of Shurugwi district, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe.


SUBJECTS
School children in primary and secondary levels.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Prevalence of schistosomiasis infection, risk factors for contracting schistosomiasis.


RESULTS
Prevalence of S. haematobium and S. mansoni was 68% and 0.2%, respectively. Participating in watering the respondents' household garden (O.R = 8.1, 95% CI 1.65 to 40.2), fetching water for the home garden (O.R=3,96 95% CI 1.38 to 11.32), fishing with their legs in the water (O.R = 3.1 95% CI 1.6 to 5.8), bathing in the river or stream (O.R = 3.1 95% CI 1.68 to 5.8) were found to be statistically significantly associated with contracting schistosomiasis infection. Fishing with legs immersed in water, having a garden at home, and swimming in the river were positively associated with infection. Those who reported blood in their urine were 16 times more like to be positive for S. haematobium than those without. Vector snails were present at all water contact sites.


CONCLUSION
Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem in the area. We recommend mass treatment of all school children in all other schools in the area. The community should be encouraged to cultivate Phytoloca dedocandra for snail control.