Prevalence and Infection Intensity of Soil‐Transmitted Helminths and Schistosomiasis Among Preschool Children in Mainland Tanzania

Abstract

Soil‐transmitted helminths (STHs) and schistosomiasis (SCH) are significant public health concerns in Tanzania, known to impair cognitive and physical development in young children. To effectively guide control programs, a comprehensive understanding of their current prevalence and intensity is essential. This cross‐sectional study was aimed at determining the prevalence and intensity of STH and SCH infections and associated anemia among preschool children aged 12–59 months across seven agroecological zones in Tanzania. A total of 1612 children were examined using the Kato‐Katz technique for Schistosoma mansoni and STH eggs, urine filtration for Schistosoma haematobium eggs, and the HemoCue photometer for anemia. Statistical associations were assessed using chi‐square tests ( p < 0.05). The prevalence of any STH infection was 4.82% (95% CI: 3.84–6.02), with hookworm being the most prevalent (3.56%; 95% CI: 2.63–4.55), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (1.19%; 95% CI: 0.65–1.79) and Trichuris trichiura (0.07%; 95% CI: 0.01–0.37). The overall SCH prevalence was 0.90%, and 34.06% of children were anemic (95% CI: 31.78–36.41). All STH infections were of mild intensity, and among SCH cases, infection intensity was predominantly light, with only one child exhibiting a heavy S. mansoni infection. Children residing in rural areas exhibited a 2.57‐fold higher likelihood of helminth infection compared to urban children ( p < 0.001). While 85.2% of parents reported knowledge of helminthiasis, only 57.57% reported a history of deworming. The observed low prevalence of STH and SCH suggests a potential positive impact of the national deworming program. However, ongoing surveillance and regular evaluations are crucial to monitor program effectiveness, address persistent anemia, and optimize intervention strategies.