Prevalence and Risk factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Kaporo Village, Karonga District, Malawi

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and Risk factors of urogenital schistosomiasis in Karonga district; it also sought to determine the relationship between involvement in MDA advocacy campaigns and Knowledge level of the disease. Methods The study enrolled 251 participants that responded to the questionnaire-guided interview and submitted urine for microscopy. Results Of 251 children that were enrolled 87 (34.7%) were found to have S.haematobium eggs. Chi-square analysis established that having a parent in rice farming (p=0.029) occupation is a key risk factor for urogenital schistosomiasis. It was also surprising to note that those schoolchildren who received Praziquantel during MDA had significantly higher prevalence (p=0.010). Furthermore, this study revealed that they is no association between a child involving in MDA advocacy compaigns and level of knowledge on schistosomiasis transmission.