Community survey of the infection, intensity and risk factors associated with schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in south-eastern Gabon

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are serious public health issues in Gabon, but current community-level data are limited and most evidence comes from schools. This study aimed to address this gap by assessing the prevalence, infection intensity, and associated risk factors of schistosomiasis and STH in communities of south-eastern Gabon. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 683 participants from several communities. The Kato–Katz and urine filtration methods were used to analyze stool and urine samples. Statistical analyses included proportion tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and bivariate analyses, with significance set at P < 0.05. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis and STH was 16.4% and 15.1%, respectively. Schistosoma haematobium was the predominant species (15.4%), with moderate to high infection intensity and significant variation by age (P = 0.04). Prevalence was significantly higher in Lastoursville than in Koulamoutou (42% vs. 9.4%, P < 0.001). STH infections, mainly Ascaris lumbricoides (9.4%) and Trichuris trichiura (6.8%), varied significantly by age, sex, and locality (P = 0.007). Not washing fruits and vegetables and walking barefoot were associated with STH, while defecation and urination in water were the main risk factors for schistosomiasis. Haematuria, proteinuria, and dysuria were significantly associated with schistosomiasis. These findings highlight the need for sustained community-based control strategies and preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis and STH in Gabon.