PREVALENCE AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF KADUNA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Digenetic trematode flatworms (flukes) of the genus Schistosoma are the cause of schistosomiasis. These water-borne parasitic diseases are extremely debilitating and chronic, causing serious health problems as well as financial burden. After malaria, schistosomiasis is thought to be the most prevalent tropical parasitic disease. Cercariae that pierce the skin while bathing, washing, playing in rivers, streams, lakes, fishing, working in agriculture, or engaging in any other activity involving contact with infested water are the means by which S. haematobium is spread. Therefore, this research aims to study the prevalence and socio- demographic factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis in selected communities of Kaduna North L.G.A. A total of 300 samples were collected from three communities: Rafin Guza, Badarawa and Ungwan Dosa. The samples were examined microscopically, then subjected to sedimentation technique and microscopy. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis found in this study was 19%. There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.002) in the occurrence of the infection across the three communities: the highest was 24% in Rafin Guza, followed by Badarawa (17%) and the least was at Ungwan Dosa (16%).  The age group 11 to 15 had prevalence infection rate of 12.66 % contributing to the total prevalence infection rate of 19 % across all three communities. One of the major suspects of this parasitic infection is due to their association with water. The positive cases were further confirmed by ELISA. There is a need for community-based health education and awareness campaign which will help to reduce the burden of the disease.