A study on factors contributing to the high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the nchelenge area of nchelenge district.

Abstract

This descriptive and cross sectional study was undertaken in Nchelenge, Luapula province which has the third highest incidence of schistosomiasis disease. The general objective of the study was to determine the factors that contribute to the high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the nchelenge area of nchelenge district. Literature review was done from the global, regional and national perspectives. In Zambia, the environmental health unit of the Ministry of Health is responsible for the control of schistosomiasis. The study population consisted of households living in the nchelenge area of nchelenge district. A total of 90 respondents were interviewed.The study revealed that some of the factors contributing to the high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among the residents of nchelenge area of Nchelenge district include ; knowledge, occupations, water contact behaviour, management of positive cases and absence of a control program.