Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis in the Ikata-Likoko Area of Southwest Cameroon

Aims: This study aimed at determining the prevalence, parasite density and risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis (US) in the Ikata-Likoko area, Cameroon.

Study Design: It was a cross-sectional study.

Study Site and Duration: The study was carried out in the Ikata-Likoko area, Cameroon from June to July 2014.

Materials and Methods: The study included 516 participants of both sexes aged 2-76 years. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic data, clinical history of the disease and environmental factors concerning potable water supply in the community. Urine samples were collected to detect and quantify Schistosoma haematobium eggs using the filtration method. Proportions and means were compared appropriately and the logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis (US).

Results: The overall prevalence and parasite density of US were 34.3% and 31 eggs/10 mL of urine respectively. US prevalence was significantly (V=0.252, P≤.001) highest in participants from Mile 14 (48.3%) and least in those from Bafia (18.0%) while egg load per 10 mL of urine was significantly (H=8.283, P =.041) highest in Bafia (50, range: 1-400) and least in Likoko (20, range: 1-200). Risk factors associated with US included: locality (OR: 4.370, 95% CI: 2.424-7.881, P≤.001), haematuria (OR: 7.387, 95% CI: 3.087-17.681, P≤.001), river as source of tap water (OR: 1.364, 95% CI: 0.623-2.985, P=.001) and lesser number of used water bodies (OR: 1.137, 95% CI: 0.397-3.255, P=.041). The presence of tap water was found to be protective (OR: 0.690, 95% CI: 0.477-0.998, P=.026) against US.

Conclusion: The Ikata-Likoko area is endemic for US. Provision of pipe-borne water, and inclusion of all age groups in the control strategies may reduce the prevalence of the disease in this area.