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Human water contact patterns in active schistosomiasis endemic areas
1Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Journal of Water and Health
|December 17, 2020
Summary
Understanding human water contact patterns is key to controlling schistosomiasis. This study in Ogun State reveals significant differences in water contact activities by season, sex, and age, highlighting areas for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Water contact patterns are a major risk factor for schistosomiasis.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective control strategies.
- Schistosomiasis infection prevalence is linked to high human water contact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess human water contact patterns.
- To identify variations in water contact activities based on season, sex, and age.
- To inform schistosomiasis control strategies in endemic areas.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative observations of human water contact activities.
- Recording frequency and duration of water contact.
- Data collected over a two-year period in Yewa North LGA, Ogun State.
Main Results:
- Water contact activities varied significantly across different communities, sexes, and age groups.
- Males showed higher water contact during the rainy season (51.1%), while females did during the dry season (51.0%).
- The 10-19 years age group exhibited the highest water contact (27.1%) during the rainy season.
Conclusions:
- High water contact activities correlate with previous high schistosome infection prevalence.
- Improving access to pipe-borne water and sanitation is essential.
- Enhanced community knowledge of the schistosome life cycle can reduce water contact and infection rates.
