Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosomiasis in Sudan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Schistosomiasis is considered the most widespread parasitic infection. Both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are present, and as waterborne infections, their epidemiology is closely associated with proximity and exposure to freshwater sources. The objective of the current study is to estimate the pooled prevalence of schistosomiasis among the Sudanese population and examine any associated sociocultural risk factors. A systematic review was conducted in December 2022. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Sixty-seven research articles were recruited representing a total sample size of 813,571 participants. Schistosoma haematobium pooled prevalence was 24.83% (95% confidence interval (CI): 22.75, 26.92) among 700,337 participants tested, while S. mansoni pooled prevalence of 19.13% (95% CI: 18.70, 19.56) among 685,133 participants was originated. Moreover, schistosomiasis prevalence among school-age children was assessed in 45 included studies; the pooled prevalence of S. haematobium was 22.37 (95% CI: 20.12, 24.63), while S. mansoni pooled prevalence was 18.62 (95% CI: 13.14, 24.11). Furthermore, the highest Schistosoma prevalence (overall pooled prevalence: 41% (95% CI: 26.72, 55,29), S. haematobium pooled prevalence: 38.59 (95% CI: 21.03, 56.14), S. mansoni pooled prevalence: 25.85 (95% CI: 5.07, 46.63)) was found among Gezira State participants, based on a sample size of 5,712 individuals. Farming, male gender, no presence of latrines, canal and stream water sources, and swimming, playing, or bathing in the Nile River and canals were found to be significantly associated with schistosomiasis infection. The current findings are believed to serve as a cornerstone for designing strategies and preventive measures.