Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal schistosomiasis among school-age children living near the Mai-Nigus irrigation dam, Tigray, northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is caused by the blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Irrigation dams create ideal habitats for freshwater snails and increase the risk of schistosomiasis transmission. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis and associated risk factors among school-age children (SAC) living near Mai-Nigus irrigation dam in La’elay Maichew district, Tigray, northern Ethiopia, using Kato-Katz thick smear technique. A school-based cross-sectional parasitological study was conducted to assess the prevalence, burden, and risk factors of schistosomiasis among SAC residing near Mai-Nigus irrigation dam in June 2024, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, with test statistics conducted at a 95% confidence level and a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. This study found a 12.6% prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among SAC near the Mai-Nigus irrigation dam. All of the infections were due to the light intensity of infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that those SAC who fetch water from the dam [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 14.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8–74.7] and wash clothes in the dam [AOR = 6.4, 95% CI: 1.1–35.4] were nearly fifteen and seven times more likely to be infected with S. mansoni compared to their respective counterparts, respectively. Moreover, SAC engaged in irrigation practices faced a 13-fold higher infection rate than those not participating in such activities [AOR = 13.2, 95% CI: 2.4–74.2]. The study reports a 12.6% prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis among SAC near Mai-Nigus irrigation dam, Tigray region. Although the infection intensity is light, the presence of the disease indicates ongoing transmission needing attention. Key risk factors for S. mansoni infection include activities such as fetching water, washing clothes, and engaging in irrigation, underscoring the need for enhanced public health interventions and community education. Essential strategies include promoting the use of safe water, hygiene education, and routine screenings. Ongoing epidemiological monitoring and community engagement are vital to reducing disease prevalence and safeguarding the future generations’ health in the area.