This project will use a cross-section of data from an ongoing study in rural villages in Uganda where Schistosoma mansoni is endemic. Ethical approvals have been obtained. It is expected that this data will be collected prior to the start of this DPhil project. This DPhil analysis will focus on a random sample of approximately 1600 households from 39 villages. To measure infection status/intensity and morbidities, one child (aged 5+ years) and one adult (aged 18+ years) will be sampled from each study household (3120 individuals). Ultrasounds following WHO Niamey Protocols and clinical palpations will be completed to identify liver pathologies. Household surveys will be used to collect information on non-communicable diseases following the WHO STEPS survey, socioeconomic status, and water, sanitation, and hygiene access/behaviours.

Aims:

1.  Identify common clusters of liver morbidities associated with schistosomiasis infections
   

2.  Assess how liver multimorbidity prevalence varies by schistosomiasis prevalence and intensity
   

3.  Examine the variation in liver multimorbidities over a lifespan by assessing the variation against age in a cross-sectional manner
   

The student will gain skills in literature review, study design, primary data collection, clinical epidemiological data analysis, statistical programming, data cleaning, and research presentation. Training in schistosomiasis epidemiology and fieldwork will be provided.