Prevalence of Intestinal Schistosomiasis Infection and Associated Risk Factors among School-aged Children in Jebba, Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Jebba in Moro Local Government Area of north central Nigeria is a fishing community, and due to inadequate sanitation, its population is susceptible to several infections. Hence the objective of this paper was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis infection and associated risk factors amongst school aged children in the study area. From January to July 2023, stool specimens were collected from two hundred and seventy (276) school-going aged children (125 males and 151 females) for faecal analysis using the Kato-Katz technique. Structured questionnaires were also administered to the participants to ascertain possible transmission risk factors towards the infection. Results show that of the 276 stool specimens examined, 56 (20.1%) were infected with the egg of Schistosoma mansoni, with more males 27/125 (21.6%) infected than females 21/151 (19.2%). Pupils who used the bush for defecation had the highest infection rate (47.5%). Pupils who also responded to using rivers as their main source of water were also more infected (48.9%). The result of this study has revealed the presence of intestinal schistosomiasis in Jebba. Immediate treatment by the infected persons to halt the transmission was carried out. Regular deworming, proper health education, provision of basic social amenities is highly advocated in the study area.