Prevalence and risk factors of schistosomiasis infection among primary school pupils in Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria
Date
2017
Authors
Olatona, F.A.
Aderibigbe, S.A.
Okpareke, O
Ameen, H.A
Olubiyi, S.K.
Osagbemi, G.K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sudan Med J.
Abstract
Urinary schisto-somiasis is a neglected parasitic tropical disease caused by Schistosoma haematobium which has posed to be a major public health problem in Nigeria. This study determined the current prevalence and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis infection among Primary school pupils in Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the three local district areas in Patigi Local Government Area. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demography, water contact patterns and risk factors of the pupils aged between 5−15 years. Urine samples were collected from two thousand pupils for microscopic analysis for the detection of S. haematobium eggs. Results: The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis infection was 35% among the 2000 children examined. Patigi District recorded the highest prevalence of 66.7%. No statistical significant difference was observed in the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis between males (36.2%) and females (33.2%) and among the different age groups. The major risk factors that were associated with the endemicity of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school pupils in Patigi Local Government were the presence of infested water bodies and increased water contact activities with the infested water bodies, increased frequency of visit to the infested river, prolonged duration of stay in the water bodies, low parental literacy, and farming occupational activities of the parents. Furthermore, urinating while swimming and poor utilization of protective shoes while visiting the river were some of the practices that placed them at yet a greater risk of being infected by the causative agent. Conclusion: The prevalence rate obtained in the study was high, an indication that the region is endemic by WHO classification. This calls for an urgent effective urinary schistosomiasis control programme in the zone.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
prevalence , risk factors , urinary schistosomiasis , Patigi local government , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE
Citation
Aderibigbe S.A, Okpareke O, Olatona F A, Ameen H A, Olubiyi S K. Osagbemi G K. Prevalence and risk factors of schistosomiasis infection among primary school pupils in Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. Sudan Med J. 2017; 53(1)