Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in Munyenge. There are several reports on schistosomiasis in pregnancy, thus this represents a major public health concern. This study assessed reasons for water contact patterns and changes in infection rate among pregnant women in Munyenge. A total of 368 pregnant women reporting for antenatal clinic (ANC) were enrolled. A questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic information, gynaecologic/ obstetric history and schistosomiasis. Microhematuria was determined using urine strips and S. haematobium infection determined by urine filtration. Schistosoma haematobium infection was detected in 22.3%. S. haematobium infection was significantly higher (P<0.05) in single women (35.7%), women who bathe in and had domestic contact with stream (48.3%), women who visited the stream at least more than thrice a week (54.5%) and women reported not using piped water (27.8%). In the multivariate analysis, single women and women who bathe in and had domestic contact with stream were significant risk factors associated with S. haematobium infection. On the other hand, less water contact frequency (once and twice per week) (aOR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.19-0.85 and aOR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.09-0.70) was associated with decreased risk of infection. Women who reported using piped water (aOR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.33-1.19) were less likely at risk of S. haematobium infection. There was a relative risk reduction in prevalence of UGS infection, intensity of infection, stream usage, domestic contact and bathing and frequency once.

Biography

E-mail: Wepnje.godlove@ubuea.cm