Infection with Schistosoma mansoni has an Effect on Quality of Life, but not on Physical Fitness in Schoolchildren in Mwanza Region, North-Western Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infection with Schistosoma mansoni negatively impact children's physical health and may influence their general well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of S. mansoni infections on a panel of morbidity indicators with emphasis on quality of life (PedsQL; measured in four different dimensions) and physical fitness (measured as VO2 max) among 572 schoolchildren aged 7-8 years.

Methodology/principal findings

Prevalence of S. mansoni infections was 58.7%, with an arithmetic mean (95% CI) among positives of 207.3 (169.2-245.4) eggs per gram (epg). Most infections were light (56.5%), while 16.4% had heavy infections. Girls had significantly higher arithmetic mean intensities (95% CI) than boys (247.4 (189.2-305.6) vs. 153.2 (110.6-195.8); P = 0.00

SUBMITTER: Kinung'hi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5222294 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature