Assessment of Urinary Schistosomiasis Amongst Children Attending Primary Schools in Okengwe, Kogi State, Nigeria

L. Yusuf and M.A. Abdulsamad

Background and Objective: Schistosomiasis, apart from being the most prevalent parasitic disease, also constitutes an important public health problem, especially in Nigeria and many developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis amongst children attending primary schools in Okengwe, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 urine samples were collected in sterile universal bottles from pupils and were examined macroscopically and microscopically for Schistosoma haematobium egg at Sauki Medical Laboratory in Okene, Kogi State. Results: The prevalence rate observed among age groups 5-10 years, 11-15 years were 18 and 32%, respectively, then the overall prevalence of the study was 25%. Analysis was focused on age, gender and water contact activities with a final probability value of statistical significance (p<0.05) at a confidence interval of 95% using the chi-square tool. It was observed that swimming activity poses the highest mode of transmission. This could be attributed to the high duration spent by the children in contaminated water during swimming. Conclusion: Though there was a minimal prevalence of S. haematobium in the study area, there is a need to sensitize the community and also intensify integrated control measures to reduce or completely eradicate the disease.

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