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Exploring the feasibility and possible efficacy of mass treatment and education of young females as schistosomiasis influences the HIV epidemic

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Abstract

Purpose

Genital schistosomiasis may be a risk factor for HIV, but chronic lesions in adults may be refractory to standard treatment. We aimed to investigate young girls’ risk factors for gynaecological schistosomiasis, possible protective factors and possibilities for behavioural change and mass treatment in rural Tanzania.

Methods

A standardised questionnaire was used to interview females between 5 and 20 years of age in a small cross-sectional study.

Results

One third of the girls were found to be at risk of acquiring schistosomal infection. Younger and older girls were engaged in more risk behaviour than the 10–14-year-olds. Knowledge of the parasite was associated with less risky water contact, and most of the girls had acquired this knowledge through primary school education.

Conclusion

Mass treatment for gynaecological schistosomiasis should be done in collaboration with the school system as a joint venture with the health system in order to reach non-enrolled girls who may be at particular risk. Research is still needed to assess the preventive effect of treatment on genital lesions and on HIV incidence.

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Acknowledgments

The project was financed by Skipsreder Tom Wilhelmsens Stiftelse, five different Rotary clubs, YIT, Norway and Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Ullevaal Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Norway. Accountancy services were provided by University of Oslo, Norway. We are thankful to the doctors and nurses at Mchukwi Mission Hospital for inviting study subjects, translating, providing information, teaching and providing a safe and comfortable stay. We would like to thank J.A. Lillerud and J.F. Stuestøl for practical assistance. Finally, we are grateful to the girls who agreed to be interviewed and teachers who provided time during school hours.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Linn Elisabeth Lillerud, Vibeke Moerken Stuestoel, Ragnhild Elisabet Hoel & Eyrun Floerecke Kjetland

  2. Mchukwi Mission Hospital, Mchukwi, Rufiji District, Tanzania

    Zacharias Rukeba

  3. Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Ullevaal University Hospital, 0407, Oslo, Norway

    Eyrun Floerecke Kjetland

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  1. Linn Elisabeth Lillerud
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  2. Vibeke Moerken Stuestoel
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  3. Ragnhild Elisabet Hoel
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  5. Eyrun Floerecke Kjetland
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Correspondence to Eyrun Floerecke Kjetland.

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The first three authors contributed equally to this work.

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Lillerud, L.E., Stuestoel, V.M., Hoel, R.E. et al. Exploring the feasibility and possible efficacy of mass treatment and education of young females as schistosomiasis influences the HIV epidemic. Arch Gynecol Obstet 281, 455–460 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-1108-y

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