Associated Factors with Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Children aged 1 to 10 years in High- Prevalence Health Posts in Tambacounda Department (Senegal)

Introduction : The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis remains very high (≥ 50%) in three health posts in the Tambacounda Department, despite mass treatment with Praziquantel among children aged 5–14 years. This study aims to identify factors associated with the persistence of urogenital schistosomiasis in Tambacounda. Méthodes : We conducted a descriptive analytical study in August 2024. The target population consisted of mothers or guardians of children aged 1–10 years. Data were collected using Kobo Toolbox and analyzed with R 4.4.1. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with urogenital schistosomiasis. Results The majority (89.93%) of mothers/guardians accepted preventive measures, while 14.63% of children presented with hematuria. Among children aged [5–10[ years, 66.55% received treatment. Urine dipstick positivity was 35.6%, and 26.34% were carriers of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 34.75% in children aged [5–10[ years compared to 14.94% in those aged [1–5[ years. Associated factors statistically significant included : residence in Bohé Balédji (ORa = 18.99 [3.66–98.53]; p < 0.001), mothers/guardians knowledge of disease symptoms (ORa = 87.01 [2.56–29.58]; p = 0.01), history of hematuria (ORa = 10.66 [2.97–45.54]; p < 0.001), presence of hematuria at the time of the survey (ORa = 17.38 [1.28–235]; p = 0.014) and positive urine dipstick results (ORa = 199 [27.44–723]; p < 0.001). Conclusion Urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence remains high in three health posts in Tambacounda despite mass treatment in children aged [5–14] years. We recommend: strengthening health education for mothers/guardians, systematic screening via urine dipsticks and extending mass treatment to children under 5 years.