Spatial Distribution of Schistosomiasis and its associated risk factors among Preschool aged children in Temeke district, Tanzania

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a public health problem common in poor communities that causes damage to the urinary tract and intestines among people as well as stunting among young children. Little is known about the prevalence and risk factors for schistosomiasis in pre-schoolers. This study aimed to determine the spatial distribution and geographical and clinical factors associated with schistosomiasis among pre-schoolers in Temeke district. We conducted a secondary data analysis to determine the spatial distribution of schistosomiasis among preschoolers, a hotspot analysis to identify hotspot areas, and visited them to observe geographical factors associated with schistosomiasis. We also conducted key informant interviews (KI) with community members to identify risk factors for schistosomiasis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to find associations between dependent and independent variables. We analyzed 226 study participants, of whom 91 (40.27%) had a schistosomiasis infection and 135 (59.73%) had no infection. Of all, 113 (50.0%) of the participants were female, and 113 (50.0%) were male. Most participants lived within 1 km of the river. A total of 79 (34.96%) participants used river water. While 172 (76.11%) of participants used tap water for drinking, 53 (23.45%) used borehole sources for drinking water. In multivariate analysis, stunting and malnutrition were significantly associated with schistosomiasis infection. Spatial analysis identified clusters of schistosomiasis infection more in the northern part of Temeke district and fewer in the south of the district. The findings suggest a need for the establishment of a suitable control strategy for schistosomiasis in Temeke district, which will include all groups at risk, including preschoolers.