Effects of Female Genital Schistosomiasis in Reproductive Tract of Women Attending Kwale Hospital in Kwale County, Kenya
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Date
2017-06-17
Authors
Gitau, Jane M. N.
Muhoho, Ng’ethe
Kabiru, Ephantus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health
Abstract
Background: Female genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is a
significant public health problem among women living in endemic areas. An estimated 45 million
women in sub-Saharan Africa are infected. Chronic infection is associated with bleeding
disturbances, abdominal-pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse, uterine fibroids, spontaneous
abortion, cervical cancer and increased risk for transmission of HIV.
Aim: To determine the infection rate, distribution pattern and associated genital pathology in
S. haematobium infection among females of reproductive age in endemic area in Kwale County,
Kenya.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional.
Study Area: Kwale level four hospital. Study subjects came from the hospital catchment area.
Methodology: Prevalence of S. haematobium was determined through urine filtration and
microscopy for S. haematobium eggs and by detection of both haematuria and proteinuria using
strip reagent analysis. Intensity of S. haematobium infection was determined by scoring the number
of eggs per 10 ml of urine. Signs of genital pathology were determined through visual assessment
of the genitalia by a gynaecologist. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze data.
Results: Overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 23%. Intensity of infection was low with
majority of infected participants (15.8%) carrying light intensity infections (≤50 eggs/10 ml of urine).
Prevalence and intensity of infection was significantly high in women age group 18-23; (χ
2 = 5.778;
P = 0.017). Signs of genital pathology were recorded in 46.7% of infected women. The results of
this study indicate that female genital schistosomiasis is an important health problem in Kwale
County and there is need for the Ministry of Health and the County government of Kwale to improve
diagnosis and treatment of the disease as well as initiate strategies to control this problem.
Description
A Research Article in the International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health
Keywords
Prevalence, Female genital schistosomiasis, Distribution pattern, Genital pathology, Lesions
Citation
Jane M. N. Gitau, Ng’ethe Muhoho and EPHANTUS KABIRU (2017). Effect of female genital schistosomiasis in reproductive tract of women attending Kwale Hospital in Kwale, County, Kenya. International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health Vol 24(1) 1 – 9.