South Asian Journal of Parasitology

Aims: The aim was to determine prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis among school age children in Igbedor, Igbokenyi and Nzam: Riverine communities of Anambra State, Nigeria.

Study Design: This is a cross-sectional, prospective, school based study in which three communities situated along Omambala River were selected after which a public primary school in each of the selected communities were selected for the study. A simple open-ended questionnaire that elicited information on age, literacy and occupation were administered to all respondent volunteers.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in three public primary schools within three rural communities in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria between April to December, 2023. The laboratory investigations and analysis were done in the Parasitology and Entomology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, between April and June 2023.

Methodology: A total of 320 urine samples were collected from primary school children in three randomly selected primary schools from Igbedor, Igbokenyi and Nzam. Urine samples collected were examined for visible haematuria (macrohaematuria), tested for microhaematuria using reagent strips and examined for S. haematobium ova using microscopy. Structured pretested questionnaires were administered to parent/guardians to determine their level of knowledge, attitudes and management practices of urogenital schistosomiasis in the study area. The data generated from questionnaires and laboratory analysis was collated, analyzed and presented using SPSS version 22.0

Results: Out of 320 school children examined microscopically, 45(14.1%) were found positive with S. haematobium egg, 2(0.9%) were positive for macrohaematuria and 13(6.1%) were positive for microhaematuria. The overall prevalence was higher in females 24(14.1%) than males 21(14.0%) though the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). school children between 9-12 years old had the highest prevalence of the infection 8(6.9%) followed by those in age group 13-15 years old (5.1%). Children between 4-8 years old had no infection 0(0.0%). When prevalence was assessed using microscopy, pupils whose parents were farmers had the highest prevalence of the infection 37(16.8%), followed by those whose parents were fishermen 8(9.7%). Pupils whose parents had no form of formal education had significantly highest prevalence 41 (23.0%). With regard to source of water for the household those who source their water from the stream statistically had the highest prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis 44(16.5%). Similarly, those who defecate in the bush had the highest prevalence of the infection 44(15.0%). Most inhabitants were not aware of the infection. There was a high level of ignorance on the causation, signs and symptoms of urogenital schistosomiasis. 57.5% do not consider it a serious disease while 76.7% would do nothing when they are infected with the disease.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated a low prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in the study area, Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra state Nigeria.