Assessment of burden and risk factors associated with soil transmitted helminth infections among adolescent girls (10-19 years of age) in Katete District of Zambia: A cross-sectional study
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Date
2021-08-01
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of study-A cross-sectional study
The problem:
Over 688 million girls and women of reproductive age (WRA) are at risk of STH infections, with 26%
of girls and WRA found in Africa. Infections among girls and WRA remain a concern because of their
association with anaemia among unpregnant girls and women, maternal anaemia, foetal morbidity, and
mortality. Information on subpopulations (like adolescent girls and women of reproductive age) in the
district at risk remains unknown, making it difficult to plan and implement interventions as guided in
the new NTD roadmap 2021-2030.
Objectives:
To assess the burden and risk factors associated with Soil-transmitted helminth infections among
adolescent girls in Katete District of Zambia. Specifically, to
1. To estimate the prevalence of STH infections among adolescent girls in Katete district,
2. To determine the intensity of STH infections
3. To determine socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental health factors associated with Soil transmitted
helminth
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study to be conducted in Katete, a rural district in the eastern province of Zambia.
Adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 years will be enrolled in the study as participants. The Sample
size is 206 inclusive of a 20% additional number to account for non-response.
A multistage sampling will be used to get the study participants. The district has 10 zones that have a total
of 105 schools (inclusive of private schools). Cluster random sampling will be used to sample 4 zones and
a stratified random method to select 3 schools from each zone to come up with 12 schools. Systematic
sampling methods will be used to select 17 study participants from each school (with two schools
contributing 18 participants each) to get 206 participants. Primary data will be collected using a structured
questionnaire administered by an interviewer/research assistant (to collect demographic, socio-economic,
behavioral, environmental-related data). Stool samples will be collected in leak-proof containers from
eligible children and analyzed using Kato-Kaz technique to quantify the infections.
All statistical analysis will be performed using STATA software version 14. Proportions for infected
will be computed to report prevalence and intensity of infection. Crude egg count will be classified light
for eggs less than 5000EPG and heavy above 5000 to compare egg count values between different ages,
gender and catchment areas. Descriptive data will be analyzed using appropriate summary statistics.
Categorical variables will be reported as absolute frequencies with associated percentages, Chi-square
test to ascertain the association between categorical independent variable and risk factors associated
with soil-transmitted helminth infections. Multivariate Logistic regression to assess factors associated
with soil-transmitted helminth infections with 95% confidence interval and significance level set at 5%
Expected findings and dissemination:
Expected to show the burden of STH by species and intensity of infections and factors associated with
soil-transmitted infections. This information will help inform programming against STHs. The findings
of the study will be documented in a report and shared with Katete District Health Office, Katete District
Education Office, Provincial Health Office, ZNHRA, and COMREC. An oral presentation will be done
to Katete District Health Management Team and KUHeS research dissemination conference. The results
will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.