Prevalence and Risk factors of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Secondary School Students in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State

Abstract

Urinary Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis) is a neglected, water-borne disease of major public health concern and can lead to chronic ill health condition mostly in rural environments. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among students of three selected secondary schools in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State. A school–based questionnaire were administered to collect data on students’ population, report of hematuria, student’s age, sex, attitude and practices of the students.  A total of four hundred and forty-two (442) samples were collected and examined using a Visual Test Procedure (VTP) with Combi – 10 Uri screen® (German Technology) and Microscopic examination was carried out using x10 objective lens for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) eggs. Eggs of Schistosoma haematobium were detected in one hundred and forty (140) urine samples representing 31.7%; 134 (30.3%) were from males while only 6 samples (1.4%) were from females (P<0.05). The prevalence of hematuria was significantly higher (P<0.05) in males than in females. The highest prevalence was observed among age group 15 – 17 years (16.74%) while the least prevalence was observed in age group 9 – 11 years (0.23%). The study identified factors such as closeness of water bodies (OR= 2.9, P-value= 0.002) and swimming (OR= 7.5, P-value= < 0.0001) as risk factors for Schistosomiasis in the study area. The study confirmed high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in the study area. The study suggests that water control measures, proper sanitation and public enlightenment are highly needed to lower the prevalence of the urinary Schistosomiasis in the study area.