Urogenital schistosomiasis among adult male population in an endemic area of southern Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in Southern Tanzania. The disease has significant implications for both socioeconomic and public health. Because infections with S. haematobium usually peak in childhood, the majority of studies have concentrated on school-aged children leaving other groups such as males which might be continuous reservoir of infection transmission. However, despite its chronic consequences in the male population, the disease has received insufficient attention, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to describe the previous and current schistosomiasis status among adult males living in high-endemic areas of southern Tanzania DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed to gather data on the prevalence of UGS among adult men residing at schistosomiasis endemic in the Mtama District Council. Quantitative methods of data collection which included questionnaire and laboratory procedures were used. RESULTS: Out of 245 participants, macrohaematuria and microhaematuria were found in 12 (4.9%, 95% CI 2.4% to 7.8%) and 66 (26.9%, 95% CI 21.6% to 32.7%) participants, respectively. S. haematobium ova were recovered from the urine samples of 54 (22.0%, 95% CI 16.7% to 27.3%) participants. The median intensity of infection was 20 eggs per 10 mL of urine ranging from 1 to 201 eggs per 10 mL of urine (IQR) 60.5). Out of 245 participants 33 (13.5% 95% CI 9.0% to 17.6%) had light intensity of infection and 21 (38.9%, 95% CI; 25.0% to 52.5%) had heavy intensity of infection. Overall, the prevalence of heavy intensity of infection was 8.6% (95% CI 4.9% to 12.6%). The prevalence and intensity of UGS varied significantly by age, marital status and village of residence. CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on the prevalence of UGS among adult males in endemic areas of southern Tanzania. The results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies to address the burden of the disease.

Sexual and reproductive health among men with genital schistosomiasis in southern Tanzania: A descriptive study.

Male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) is a significantly neglected condition, and its consequences often receive inadequate attention. The disease is suggested to cause schistosomiasis-induced sexual and reproductive health problems among males. The study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MGS, sexual and reproductive health problems that could be caused by MGS among adult males in Mtama district. A community-based cross-sectional study using quantitative methods was carried out among males aged ≥ 18 years in selected households. Semen and urine samples were collected from each participant to establish the prevalence of MGS and urogenital schistosomiasis respectively. Semen quality was macroscopically and microscopically assessed. Urine samples were analyzed using filtration technique. A structured questionnaire interview was carried out to collect socio-demographic data, sexual and reproductive health information. Descriptive statistics were used to provide a summary of each variable. The prevalence (proportions) were presented in percentages and their respective 95% confidence intervals. A total of 223 adult males participated in this study. The prevalence of MGS and urogenital schistosomiasis were 5.8% (95% CI; 3.1%-9.0%) and 22.4% (95% CI; 16.6%-27.8%) respectively. The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in semen was found high among young adults 12/129 (9.3%, 95% CI; 4.9%-15.7%), who never attended to school 6/35 (17.1%, 95% CI; 6.6%-33.6%), petty traders 4/26 (15.4%, 95% CI; 4.4%-34.9%), never impregnated woman 9/70 (12.9%, 95% CI: 6.6%-33.6%), experienced pain during ejaculation 4/17 (23.5%, 95% CI; 4.9%-15.7%), and with brownish semen 2/5 (40%, 95% CI; 4.9%-15.7%). According to the findings, MGS, like urogenital schistosomiasis, is prevalent in southern Tanzania. The disease is prevalent among males with some reproductive and sexual issues. This highlight the need for more research to investigate the association of MGS and male reproductive and sexual health for improved health services among males.