A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Incidence of Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) In the Dangme East and South Tongu Districts in the Lower Volta Basin

Abstract

The study examines the spatio-temporal incidence of shistosomiasis the Dangme East and South Tongu districts of Ghana. It also examines the perceptions of the local people about the disease and discusses the preventive measures and coping strategies adopted. The Triangle of Human Ecology Model was the main theoretical framework employed for the analysis, while a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. The study shows that the incidence of schistosomiasis in the South Tongu District is still very high, but the prevalence of the disease in the Dangme East district has declined since 2010, as a result of educational campaigns. In both districts, the incidence of the disease was highest among children and males than female adults. While children are infected as a result of swimming and fetching water, men are exposed to disease causing organisms through economic activities such as fishing, clam and shrimps harvesting, boat transportation services and swimming. The high incidence of the disease in the study districts were attributed to environmental conditions as well as the construction of the Akosombo and Kpong dams which created the environment for this disease. Most of the local people knew the causes and symptoms of the disease. Apart from the health effects of this disease, respondents explained that the disease affected them economically as they are required to spend huge sums of money on treatment. Respondents adopted a variety of measures and strategies to cope and manage the disease. These include hospital attendance, boiling of water for domestic use, and avoidance of contaminated water bodies as well as the use of water purifiers for the treatment of water for domestic use. Other forms of coping processes adopted were consultation of traditionalists and use of herbal products together with shrine and spiritual assistance. The prevalence of the disease can be reduced through intensive public education, provision of safe drinking water, and improvement in health facilities and sanitation practices.