Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis among School-Age Children in Kashinzama and Sabiyal in Aliero Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Background: Urinary schistosomiasis remains an intractable parasitic disease, associated with populations living in poverty in sub-Saharan Africa and it has placed an enormous toll on the health sectors of affected countries

Aims: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-age children in Aliero Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted among school aged children, Aliero Local Government, Kebbi State, from March to June, 2016.

Methodology: A total of 400 participants were enrolled for the study.Ten (10 ml) of urine samples were collected from each participant in to universal containers. Samples were preserved with 10% formal saline and then transported to laboratory for analysis. Samples were filtered using vacuum pump filtration machine and Whatman No.1 filter paper and were then examined under the microscope to determine the presence of ova of Schistosoma haematobium.

Results: Out of 400 urine samples 128(32.0%) had infection with mean egg intensity of 63.4/10 ml of urine, with significant difference (p>0.005) in infection rates among males (35.1%) and females (19.7%). The age specific prevalence is higher among 10-14years (38.8%) with significant difference (p>0.001). The occupational distribution of the infection was higher among fishermen (64.1%) with significant statistical difference (p>0.001).

Conclusion:The result of this study shows the establishment of moderate S. haematobium infection in the study area (32.0%).The finding of our study shows a significant correlation between the associated risk factors and Schistosoma haematobium infection using simple and multiple regression analysis each with significant statistical difference. The attention of concerned authorities is needed to address the problem.