Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Trypanosomiasis in Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study of 4,436 Individuals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31149/ijimm.v4i2.2659Keywords:
Trypanosomiasis, prevalence, Southern Ethiopia, risk factors, hemoglobin, anemia, sanitationAbstract
Background: Trypanosomiasis remains a significant vector-borne disease in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Its epidemiology varies by region and is influenced by multiple socio-demographic and environmental factors. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Trypanosoma infection and identify associated risk factors among rural populations in Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 4,436 participants was conducted in Southern Ethiopia. Participants were screened for Trypanosoma infection using microscopy. Data on socio- demographic characteristics, environmental sanitation, income, education, and proximity to tsetse fly habitats were collected using structured questionnaires. Logistic regression and t-tests were applied to identify associations and differences. Results: The prevalence of Trypanosomiasis was 22.3%, with higher rates among females (24.3%) compared to males (20.3%). Participants living in rural areas had a slightly lower prevalence (21%) compared to urban residents (25%). Poor environmental sanitation showed a strong positive association with infection (OR = 12.95, p < 0.001). Illiteracy (OR = 3.95, p < 0.001) and low income (≤1,000 birr/month) were significant risk factors. Proximity to tsetse fly breeding areas was not statistically associated with infection. Interestingly, participants spending less time in bush areas (<1 hour/day) were more likely to be infected (OR = 1.39, p < 0.001). Infected individuals had significantly lower hemoglobin levels (mean difference = −2.09 g/dL, p < 0.001), indicating a strong link between Trypanosomiasis and anemia. Conclusion: Trypanosomiasis is prevalent in Southern Ethiopia, with sanitation, education, and income levels being the primary predictors of infection. Microscopic diagnosis remains a reliable method in low-resource settings. Community-based interventions focusing on sanitation and awareness are essential to control disease transmission.
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