Abstract

Introduction- Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases and an important public health problem in many developing countries. In this era of global warming and climatic change, the epidemiology of temperature-dependent infectious diseases could be changing implying the possibility of new transmission area in the world in general and in Ethiopia in particular.

Objective: To assess prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and associated factors in irrigation workers in Gamo Gofa and South Omo Zone, 2017.

Methods: Community based cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted from March to June; 2017. Data was collected by using pre tested structured questionnaire and stool sample was collected from each participant for laboratory investigation. Kato-katz technique was used as recommended by world health organization for stool laboratory investigation to relevant variables. Descriptive frequencies like cross tabulation was calculated to describe the study population. Binary and Multivariable logistic regression analysis was undertaken to assess the presence and degree of association between dependent and independent variables.

Result:-The prevalence of schistosoma mansoni was 14% [95%CI;(12.2, 15.8 )] and the rest have negative stool result after conducting stool concentration. Respondents with poor knowledge AOR;  2.18(1.12, 4.85), who were not wearing shoes (bare foot) AOR; 1.44(1.15, 4.12) and who have not moving from one agricultural site to other sites; AOR 0.38(0.15, 0.35) were identified significant associated factors with schistosoma mansoni infection.

Conclusion and Recommendations- The prevalence of schistosoma mansoni infection is moderate based on world health organization schistosoma prevalence classification. Improving community knowledge on prevention methods and considering adult agriculture workers in South Omo Zone Nary River basin for mass drug treatment. Improving habit of wearing protective shoes, avoiding frequent contact with contaminated water bodies during bathing, swimming and crossing of water bodies’ were essential behavioral factors to reduce the infection schistosoma mansoni.

Key words:- Schistosoma mansoni, Irrigation workers,  Parasitological survey