PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN IN SHAWARA AND BAKWARGA COMMUNITIES IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world especially in sub-Saharan Africa where diseases are endemic. This study investigated the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and its associated risk factors among schoolchildren in the Shawara and Bakwarga communities of Jigawa State. A random sampling technique was employed, and 240 school-aged children from Shawara and Bakwarga Primary and Junior school were selected. Questionnaire was administered to gather data on demographics and water-contact activities. Sediment of each urine sample were examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using microscopy. The findings revealed a moderate prevalence of 33.1%, confirming the disease is endemic in the area. Multivariate analysis identified the community of residence of the children, their age, and participation in irrigation farming as independent risk factors. The finding of this study showed that urinary schistosomiasis is prevalent in Shawara and Bakwarga. Awareness of schistosomiasis should be promoted, improve access to healthcare services and regular intervention are desirable in these communities.