A study of Schistosomiasis among school children between the ages of 6-17 years in the Outapi health disctrict in Namibia
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Date
2009
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Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by flukes. This infection creates a reaction in the human tissue that manifests as scarring of the bladder, urethra, or colon. Schistosomiasis is closely associated with water, as snails carry the parasite
The purpose of this study was to describe and explore any factors (variables)that could be associated with the persistence of the high infection rate of schistosomiasis in school children between the ages 6 - 17 years in the Outapi health district, in order to implement appropriate prevention strategies
In this study, two specific objectives have been formulated. They are firstly, to describe the incidence and magnitude of schistosomiasis in school children in the Outapi health district and secondly, to identify the possible factors that may be associated with the high persistence rate of schistosomiasis in that district
Two study groups were used in this study. The first was a case population (from which a case group was selected), which consisted of all the school children infected with schistosomiasis for the period 2006/2007 in the Outapi district. The second population (from which a control group was selected) was the control group and comprised of all the school children in the Outapi district not infected with schistosomiasis for the same period
In this study, 31 of the schoolchildren tested positive for schistosomiasis.Significant correlations were found with regard to four independent variables namely, age, water contact, lack of toilets at household and health education as a subject at school. It was found that water contacts, lack of latrines and lack of health education and promotion in schools are factors that contribute to the transmission and persistence of this disease. In this study the researcher also found that the schistosomiasis peak between 9 and 13 years of age in the district
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by flukes. This infection creates a reaction in the human tissue that manifests as scarring of the bladder, urethra, or colon. Schistosomiasis is closely associated with water, as snails carry the parasite
The purpose of this study was to describe and explore any factors (variables)that could be associated with the persistence of the high infection rate of schistosomiasis in school children between the ages 6 - 17 years in the Outapi health district, in order to implement appropriate prevention strategies
In this study, two specific objectives have been formulated. They are firstly, to describe the incidence and magnitude of schistosomiasis in school children in the Outapi health district and secondly, to identify the possible factors that may be associated with the high persistence rate of schistosomiasis in that district
Two study groups were used in this study. The first was a case population (from which a case group was selected), which consisted of all the school children infected with schistosomiasis for the period 2006/2007 in the Outapi district. The second population (from which a control group was selected) was the control group and comprised of all the school children in the Outapi district not infected with schistosomiasis for the same period
In this study, 31 of the schoolchildren tested positive for schistosomiasis.Significant correlations were found with regard to four independent variables namely, age, water contact, lack of toilets at household and health education as a subject at school. It was found that water contacts, lack of latrines and lack of health education and promotion in schools are factors that contribute to the transmission and persistence of this disease. In this study the researcher also found that the schistosomiasis peak between 9 and 13 years of age in the district
Description
A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters in Public Health
Keywords
Schistosomiasis, Schistosomiasis prevention and control, Public health Namibia