The Prevalence and Intensity of Urinary Schistoso-miasis Among School Children Living along the Bakalori Dam, Nigeria

Abstract

Children are known to be the major reservior of urinary schistosomiasis in endemic communities. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis among school children living along the Bakalori dam. The study was a cross sectional assessment using a pre-tested standardised structured questionnaire interviews. A total of 240 pupils were recruited through a multistage sampling technique. Urine samples from the pupils were examined for the presence of ova of schistosoma haematobium. A total of 125(52.1%) of respondents were 11-12 years old with a mean age of 11.7 +/- 1.4 years. The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school children was found to be 42.1%. The highest age and sex specific prevalence rate was recorded among the 13-14 years age group for both males (43.1%) and females (50.0%). The age, sex, level of school attainment, occupation of respondents' father/guardian and source of water for domestic use were found to have a significant statistical association with the risk of being infected (P<0.05). It is concluded that the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis is high. To reverse the situation requires mass chemotherapy, community mobilisation and provision of portable water. Key words: schistosomiasis, prevalence, intensity, school children, dams.