Assessment of the prevalence and praziquantel effectiveness and risk factors of urogenital schistosomiasis among school-aged children in pru east, Ghana

Schistosomiasis is a significant public health threat in many regions of Ghana. Due to the abundance of freshwater bodies that serve as a breeding ground for the parasites and their intermediate hosts, the Pru East District is one of the high-risk areas for this disease. This study aims to assess the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and risk factors among school-aged children in the Pru East district of Ghana. A cross-sectional study recruited 452 schoolchildren randomly selected from the Basic Schools in the district between Nov. 2023 and Oct. 2024. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic, socio-economic, water sources and water collection practices, participants' knowledge of schistosomiasis, transmission, clinical manifestations, prevention, and control. A urine sample (20 ml) was collected from each participant between 10 am and 1 pm. Samples were transported in a cold chain to the laboratory for assessment. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 9.3% and using pipe borne water was associated with 64% reduction (aOR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.13-0.99, p-value = 0.047). Washing near the river significantly increased the risk of infection, with a 7-fold higher likelihood (aOR = 7.33, 95% CI = 1.59-33.81, p = 0.011). In contrast, individuals who were aware of schistosomiasis had a 98% reduced risk of infection, and those knowledgeable about its transmission had a 96% lower risk compared to their counterparts. None of those recently exposed to praziquantel tested positive. Based on the prevalence of 9.3% obtained, the study area is at a hypo-endemic level for urogenital schistosomiasis. Frequent washing near the river increases infection risk, highlighting the need for behavioral and environmental interventions. People in the study areas should use pipe borne water to reduce infection risk. Understanding schistosomiasis and its transmission lowers the risk of infection, highlighting the importance of health education in raising awareness. Praziquantel is highly effective in both preventing and treating schistosomiasis, reinforcing the need for comprehensive control programs that integrate drug administration, education, and improved water access.