Urinary schistosomiasis among primary and junior secondary school children in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State

Abstract

Urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria and continues to pose public health challenges especially in inhabitants of rural areas. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school children, and the effects of Socio-demographic Characteristics on the disease in Uhunmwonde LGA, Edo State, Nigeria. Approval was given by the Ethical Committee of Edo State Ministry of Education, Benin City. Informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to sample collection. The result showed that of the two hundred participants aged 5-20 years examined, 15(7.5%) were infected. The males 11(8.9%) and female 4(5.2%) are both of age groups 8-10 years 2(9.5%), 11-13 years 8(8.1%) followed by ≥14 years 5(6.2).The prevalence was high 10(27.0%) among participants that use river as source of water, but there was no significant relationship between the characteristics examined. This draws attention to the health hazards posed among children in the studied area. Therefore, Uhunmwonde LGA should be included in any urinary schistosomiasis control programme.

Keywords: Bilharziasis, Contact activities, Haematuria, Schistosoma haematobium, Socio-Demographic characteristics