Prevalence and Determining Factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Primary School Pupils in North Central Nigeria

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and analyze risk factors for urinary schistosomiasis among primary school pupils in North Central Nigeria.

Study Design: The study was a cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Keffi, Nasarawa State, between March and June 2019.

Methodology: 300 urine samples (100 from each of the 3 selected primary schools) were collected from the pupils and information about them were obtained by structured questionnaires. The eggs of S. haematobium were microscopically detected from the samples using standard filtration technique. Data collected were analyzed using Smith’s Statistical Package (version 2.8, California, USA) and P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Out of the 300 pupils screened, 36(12.0%) were positive for urinary schistosomiasis. Ahmadu Maikwato primary school had the highest prevalence (61.1%) followed by Nurudeen (27.8%) and Model Science (11.1%) primary schools. In relation to socio-demographics, the rate of the infection was higher among pupils aged ≥16 years (28.6%), males (15.9%), in rural areas (12.9%), from polygamous family (16.7%) and whose parents were farmers (18.8%). Location of the pupils was found to be associated with the rate of the infection (P=0.02). However, all other risk factors considered in this study were not significantly associated with the parasitic infection (P>0.05).

Conclusion: This study indicates the presence of urinary schistosomiasis in Central Nigeria and therefore, intensified control efforts are recommended towards the elimination goal by 2025.