Intestinal schistosomiasis among pre-school age children in a selected rural community in Sengerema District, Tanzania

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis control has transitioned from focusing on morbidity control to elimination of the disease. Nevertheless, preschool-age children (PSAC) are left out of control programs and consequently serve as a source of continued transmission. This study determined the prevalence and predictors of Schistosoma mansoni infection among PSAC. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 417 PSAC. The infection prevalence and intensity was determined using the Kato-Katz technique and a structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic and risk profile. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with S. mansoni infection. RESULTS: The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 14.4% (95% confidence interval CI 11.2 to 18.1) and the geometric mean eggs per gram of faeces was 77.2 (95% CI 61.7 to 96.6) with 33.3% and 5.0% having moderate and heavy infections, respectively. Passive water contact (adjusted odds ratio AOR 7.19 95% CI 2.34 to 21.81) and living within 500 m of a water body (AOR 16.25 95% CI 4.97 to 53.21) were significantly associated with S. mansoni infection (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: PSAC are at risk for S. mansoni infection and accumulating moderate to heavy infections. Proximity to a water body and engaging in passive water contact activities were significant predictors of infection. These findings call for the inclusion of PSAC in the ongoing praziquantel mass drug administration programs. There is an urgent need for improved water supply, sanitation and public health education to reduce population exposure to infested freshwater bodies.