Urinary Schistosomiasis: a study among primary school pupils in a rural community in Nigeria

Abstract

Urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria and represents a significant public health challenge especially among inhabitants of rural areas. Against this background, this study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among children in a rural community in Nigeria. A total of 214 primary school pupils consisting of 98 females and 116 males were recruited for this study. Participant`s age ranged from 5 years to 15 years. Urine samples were collected during the school hours from all participants and examined for the presence of ova of Schistosoma heamatobium using light microscopy. A detailed questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data from study participants. The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among the participants was 5.6%.  Females were observed to have a higher prevalence of urinary schistosomiais than males although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.149). Urinary schistosomiasis was significantly affected by participants source of getting drinking water (P = 0.149) and father`s occupation (P = 0.012).  Although participants with a history of bathing in rivers were observed to be more infected (6.7%) than those without such history (2.9%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.348). Participant`s age, religion, and father`s educational status did not significantly affect the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis (P = 0.708). The study concluded that the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was significantly affected by participant`s source of drinking water and father`s occupation. Increased enlightenment campaign and provision of social amenities for rural Nigerian communities is advocated

Keywords: Schistosoma heamatobium, pupils, okada community, Nigeria