PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS (SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM L.) AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN BIU LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This cross sectional study was conducted between August-October, 2023 among 420 school-age children aged 5-16years attending public primary school in Biu local government, Borno state. The aim was to determine the prevalence, knowledge about the disease and risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis in the study area with the view of creating database information and awareness to the stakeholders. 10mls of urine sample was collected from each selected students and determination of Schistosoma haematobium eggs was done using standard sedimentation technique while microhaematuria were determined using a reagent strip and a well-structured questionnaire to obtained other required information. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis among the students was 0.5% and male students that are in age group between 11-13years has the prevalence of 1.5%. The prevalence rate 0.8% and 0.9% was found in Buratai and Tum while no infected student was found in the Biu metropolis. Also, prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was found in samples with visible haematuria in their urine as 21.3% of male student has visible haematuria while only 8.6% female has visible haematuria in their urine. The different between different age groups and locations was statistically insignificant while sex and visible haematuria was statistically significant. There was high level of ignorance and poor knowledge about transmission, prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis among the student. The study concluded that the parasite is not endemic in the study area despite the high level of ignorance and poor knowledge about parasites among the student in the study area. There is need for public enlightenment to maintain the status in the area.