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THE IMPACT OF SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI ON HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN ENDEMIC AREAS IN UGANDA (ID 1446)
Abstract
Introduction
Schistosomiasis was responsible for 1.64 million (1.04–2.64) disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) globally in 2019. Despite the high burden, the complex relationship between infection intensities, co-morbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains poorly understood. Reduced HRQoL affects education and productivity outcomes, and hampers economic development of endemic countries. This study characterises the HRQoL of individuals living with Schistosoma mansoni and co-infections in different risk areas.
Methods
A health survey was conducted in Uganda to identify S. mansoni infection intensities, schistosomiasis-related symptoms, health conditions (e.g., anaemia) and HRQoL scores (EQ-5D). Participant infection status was quantified using Kato-Katz and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen tests from two endemic settings (high-low), as well as uninfected participants. This allows the association of infection data with extensive health, socioeconomic data and HRQoL scores. Spearman's correlation coefficients are used to evaluate the relationship between HRQoL responses and the EQ-5D value set recently published for Uganda. Multivariate regression models are used to explore the effect of infection in utility decrements, by controlling for socioeconomic and health factors.
Results
S. mansoni parasitological, health and socioeconomic data analysed will show the impact of infection on HRQoL, which is crucial to understand the effect of infection on daily activities.
Conclusions
We will present key parameters to inform economic evaluations of schistosomiasis control intervention, and an improved understanding of the societal impact of S. mansoni infections, including Kato-Katz negative/low intensity infections.