Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal helminths infestation and schistosoma mansoni among residents of Katosi fish landing site in Mukono District, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: It is estimated that over one billion of the world’s population is chronically infested with intestinal helminths and these infestations are closely correlated to poverty, poor environmental hygiene and poor health services. The manifestation of helminthiasis in infested individuals depends on the burden and the species involved. The infestations can be light or heavy infestations usually characterized by abdominal disturbances, nausea and vomiting among other clinical manifestations that vary according to the helminth species involved. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with intestinal helminths and schictosoma mansoni infestation among residents of Katosi fish-landing site in Mukono District. Methods: A cross sectional population survey was conducted with a sample size of 500 participants from randomly selected households. The stool samples were collected and examined for presence of helminths by direct microscopic examination. The study was conducted at Katosi fish landing site which lies 18 miles along Kampala-Jinja highway, on the shores of Lake Victoria, in Nsanja Parish, Ntenjeru sub-county, south of Mukono District. All individuals male and female aged three years and above who were available during the study period and had stayed in the study area for more than three months were included in the study. Results: The prevalence of intestinal helminths and Schistosoma mansoni was 36.6% and the factors that are known to be associated with these helminths were also present in the area. Age, Occupation, Education level, and evidence of feaces around/poor hygiene were significantly found to be associated with the presence intestinal helminths Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal helminths is quite high, which confirm high transmission at Katosi fish landing site. This high prevalence is mainly due to the poor sanitation. The Ministry of Health should strengthen the promotion of hygiene practices effectively into the disease prevention and health education programs particularly at fish landing sites like Katosi.