Studies on the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

The assessment of the extent and distribution of Schistosoma infection in every region in Nigeria is important and required for formulating intervention strategies suitable for each endemic area.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria.

METHODS

Urine samples of pupils were examined for schistosoma eggs by sedimentation technique among selected primary school children. Pretested and structured questionnaires were also administered for KAP studies.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of 32.2% was observed for schistosomiasis in 276 pupils. Peak prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis infection (36.2%) was found in 8-10 years age group. Thirty-seven percent reported passing blood in urine, about 50% of these informed their parents but 53.1% of the parents did nothing. Contact with stream water played a significant role in the transmission of urinary schistosomiasis as 80.9% of those infected used the stream water for domestic and recreational purposes. There was no significant difference (Χ² =0.0489, P>0.05 = 0.0489, P>0.05) between infection status among males and females.

CONCLUSION

There is need for control measures in this area in order to curb the high prevalence of schistosomiasis.