Abstract:
Intestinal parasites are prevalent infections in developing countries causing significant morbidity and mortality if not detected and treated. Infections are associated with lack of access to safe water, adequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices and school children bear a significant burden of the infections. The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections and associated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) factors. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in Mwea West and 180 primary school children aged 8-14 years were randomly selected from three primary schools (Mianya, Mbui Njeru and Mukou primary schools) to participate in the study. The main method for data collection was questionnaires (WASH factors) and laboratory examinations of stool samples (Schistosoma mansoni, Soil transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoan infections). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to give proportions and mean. Associations were determined using logistic regression reporting the crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR and aOR) at 95% confidence intervals. Results showed that the overall prevalence of S. mansoni and intestinal protozoan infections was 70.5% (95%CI: 59.1-84.3) and 32.7% (95%CI: 26.8-40.1) respectively. Only one case of STH (A. lumbricoides) was identified. An increased prevalence of S. mansoni infection was associated with children above 12 years (3.19(95%CI:1.25-8.14) p=0.015) and may be attributed to their playing and hygiene habits that increase exposure to infections. Thirty five percent (35.6%) of the households utilized improved sources of water for drinking and domestic purposes while 64.4% utilized unimproved water sources and contact with canal and river water was reported at 160 (88.9%). Among the three schools, Mianya primary had the greatest odds of S. mansoni infection (1.23(95%CI:1.14-1.32) p=0.001) due to close proximity to River Thiba that is known to harbour snail vectors. This study concluded that infections with S. mansoni, any protozoa and their coinfection are a public health problem in Mwea West. The findings recommend that Ministry of Health and county governments should develop strategies that combine deworming efforts and improved WASH to combat parasitic infections.
