A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Schistosoma mansoni is one of the parasites with high public health and medical importance particularly in communities living around water bodies. However, information is scarce about epidemiology of S. mansoni infection in communities living around Lake Tana, Takusa woreda. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of S.mansoni and other intestinal parasites among communities living around Lake Tana, Takusa Woreda. METHODS: Community based cross sectional study design was carried out among communities living around Lake Tana Takusa Woreda. A total of 627 study participants were included in the study and selected with random sampling method. A stool sample was collected for intestinal parasitic examination using direct saline preparation, formol - eater concentration, and Kato thick smear techniques. Data regarding socio-demographic, environmental and behavioral factors were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical soft ware. RESULTS: Ten species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 378 (60.29%). The prevalence for males was 194 (64.88%), and 184(56.1%) for females. The prevalence of S. mansoni was 216 (34.4 %) with intensity ranging 40 to 834 eggs per gram of Stool. The prevalence of S.mansoni was 111(37.1%) among males and 106 (32.7%) among females. The prevalence is peak at7-11years 70 (36%) followed by >17 years of age 88 (35.2%), and 12-16 age years accounts 58 (31.6%). CONCLUSION: this study revealed high prevalence rate of S. mansoni infection and other Intestinal parasite infection, there for, interventions including improvement of sanitation, provision of safe water, and health education on personal hygiene to the community must be provided.