Epidemiological Assessment of Urinary Schistosomiasis among School-aged Children in Selected Local Government Areas in Gwandu Emirate of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Urinary schistosomiasis remains a public health problem in the tropics. The study examines the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Bunza, Koko and Aliero Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Gwandu Emirate of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Four hundred and seventy-four (474) urine samples were examined for ova of Schistosoma haematobium using sedimentation technique and chemical reagent strip for haematobium detection. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium recorded was 126 (26.58%). The distribution of infection by location revealed that Bunza had highest infection (35.1%), followed by Koko (28.00%) and Aliero (17.1%). Bunza showed Odd ratio (OR) of 2.02 and 95% CI (1.33 – 3.08) with statistical significance of P < 0.0014 which indicates that location plays a significant factor in prevalence of infection. The prevalence of infection in relation to gender showed that males had the highest percentage 37.13%, Chi-square revealed that there was difference between the males and female infection rate (P < 0.0001) while 16.03% was observed among the females. The age bracket 9 – 12 years old 47.05% were the most affected with the infection, while children 5 – 8 years bracket with 15.08% had the least infection rate. Chi-square shows that there was difference between the ages and infection rate of (P<0.0001). Blood in urine (haematuria) was significantly associated with infection rate. Water-contact activities recorded revealed that there was association between water contact and infection rate (P-value < 0.0001). With the high prevalence of infection in the study areas, there should be a concerted effort by stakeholders in the state, not just to establish a comprehensive data on the prevalence of the infection, but also to take decisive action in its control.