Association between socio economic status and schistosomiasis infection in Jinja District, Uganda

To examine the role of socioeconomic situation in influencing the risk and intensity of infection with Schistosomiasis mansoni.

Cross-sectional study in Walukuba Division bordering Lake Victoria, Jinja District. We assessed a random sample of 463 individuals aged 10-20 years for Schistosoma mansoni infection, water contact behaviour and treatment status with praziquantel as of the last mass treatment. Socioeconomic conditions of the participants' households were assessed by calculating a wealth index (based on type of housing and ownership of assets). Households were classified in four classes; multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of being infected with schistosomiasis. Intensities of infection with S. mansoni were compared across the classes of wealth index.

Wealth index emerged a risk factor for infection with S. mansoni after controlling for water contact and treatment with praziquantel. The adjusted odds ratio of being infected for the lowest level of wealth index compared to the highest was 10.42 (95% CI 3.38-32.36 P < 0.001). The intensity of infection decreased with wealth index Linearity F-ratio 13.91, 1 df, P < 0.001). The geometric egg count for those in the lowest wealth index was 230 (95% CI 199-279) compared to 114 (95% CI 80-162) for the highest wealth index.

In addition to mass treatment with praziquantel, improving the socio-economic conditions of the population should be given priority.