Schistosomiasis and Water Related Activities: A Major Road Block to Disease Control among School-Aged Children in Endemic Communities along Oyan Dam in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Majority of sub-Saharan countries have restricted access to potable water supply, leaving them with the option of utilizing natural water bodies for their domestic chores which are polluted with advance stages of the schistosome parasite. This study was investigated to determine the water contacts usage among school pupil in Abuleoriowo and AbuleTitun along Oyan Dam in Ogun State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was employed in collecting data of school pupil of 0-19 and their house hold. Result from the study indicates that schistosomiasis is endemic in the study communities with a high risk to source of 35 (46.7) % and 38 (50.7) % in Abule-Titin and Abule-Oriowo respectively. There was no significant difference between male and female, the result shows that 40(53.3%) females and 37(49.3%) male were exposed to water contact activities. Children are being vulnerable to Schistosomiasis as consequences of frequent water contact which affect the schistosomiasis control in school minor in the study areas. The communities living in Schistosome endemic area should be educated on important role of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene as pivotal to sustained intervention for the mitigation of schistosomiasis, whereas attitudes, and practices of water contact among school children should be discourage through community sensitization in order to mitigate their passive vulnerability to infective water.