Schistosoma haematobium: Prevalence and socio-economic factors among students in Cape Coast Ghana

Abstract

Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infections was assessed among 160 students of Twohofo Holy International School, Cape Coast, Ghana. Overall prevalence was 34.4%, with males and females having prevalence of 32.3% and 35.8% respectively. Age group 6-8 years had 30% while 24.2% were infected in age group 9-11 years. Prevalence was 48% in age group 12-14 years and 50% in age group 15-17 years. Parental occupation had effect on prevalence with children of self employed parents showing significantly higher prevalence than children of salaried employees of government and private companies. Knowledge of the disease was very low among the subjects.